France are red-hot 2/7 favourites with Betfred to get their World Cup defence off to a winning start when they take on Australia in the Al Wakrah Stadium on Tuesday night.
Les Bleus have one of the deepest and most talented squads of any nation in Qatar, which is why they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but that depth is being tested by injuries to key players N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema which means longstanding boss Didier Deschamps needs to shuffle his pack.
Despite leading France to a World Cup success in Russia and Nations League glory in 2021, Deschamps himself has come under scrutiny after his side crashed out of Euro 2020 at the last 16 stage, despite leading Switzerland 3-1 at one stage. Their most recent Nations League campaign also seemed to raise more questions than answers.
France did at least make light of their weak World Cup qualifying section, conceding just three goals en route to securing top spot with six points in hand over runners-up Ukraine.
Australia got to Qatar by the skin of their teeth - a penalty shoot-out victory against Peru in the Playoff final, but they won just four of their ten qualifying games in Group B, one of which was against lowly Oman, and could finish only third behind Saudi Arabia and Japan.
The Socceroos were outlassed in Russia, finishign bottom of their group with just one point and there is a marked lack of quality in this current Australia side.
Their physicality might just make them threats from set pieces but otherwise, they are likely to be outclassed by a France side whose players operate on a much higher level domestically.
France vs Australia Prediction
Australia were top scorers with 15 goals in qualifying but they face a steep rise in class against a France side that will be harbouring genuine hopes of going all the way despite their growing injury list.
Kylian Mbappe has shredded much better defences than that of the Socceroos and the PSG star can lead France to victory. France won't appeal to many at 2/7 but we can enhance that price to 20/21 with Betfred by backing the reigning champs to win without conceding, which rates a strong wager.
Australia have failed to score in almost a third of the games they have played since 2018, most of which have been againsty sides much weaker than France.
France vs Australia prediction: France to win to nil - 20/21
France vs Australia Odds with Betfred
- France - 2/7
- Draw - 5/1
- Australia - 10/1
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