France will start their World Cup journey as they take on Australia in a Group D encounter at the Al Janoub Stadium....CONTINUE READING
Defending champions France will be aiming to start the World Cup on a perfect note as they are scheduled to face Australia on Tuesday. Two completely different kinds of teams will battle from two different kinds of perspectives.
Les Bleus ended their barren run in the last edition where they triumphed to the pinnacle by getting the better of Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final.
It will be definitive for the current holders to have a smooth transition from their recent performance which also includes a defeat against Denmark, a country which happens to be their main thorn as the French side will be aiming to top their group.
Didier Deschamps has been dealing with multiple issues starting from off-field rumours to multiple injury issues and a statement win against Australia would keep the focus away for the time being.
The memories of the 2002 World Cup are still fresh as the then-defending champions crashed out of the competition without registering a single win and they would not want to repeat that feat.
Australia are into their fourth World Cup finals and would be hoping to better their performance this term as they had three group stage exits in their tally.
Following a gruesome qualifying campaign, the Socceroos will muster all of their resources to ensure their stay gets a bit longer this time.
On the back of five consecutive victories, the Aussies will definitely feel confident against the World champions but their record against the reigning World champions won’t offer them much inspiration.
Their sole win against the French came in the Confederation Cup 2001 edition but Graham Arnold’s side holds all the cards to be the next surprise element.
Team News and Tactics
France
Injuries have already hampered their preparations as Karim Benzema became the latest casualty in the squad.
Deschamps will rely on his existing players and will not name a replacement.
Hugo Lloris will become a record maker when he will appear for France in the goal.
Raphael Varane will not be risked and therefore Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate will be representing the heart of the defence. Lucas Hernandez will start on the left while Benjamin Pavard will get the nod on the right.
Adrien Rabiot’s good form will be taken into consideration and the Juventus midfielder will form a two-man midfield with Aurelien Tchouameni.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will have the responsibility to drive down the attack from the flanks and Antoine Griezmann will start just behind the main striker.
Olivier Giroud will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, Lucas Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Australia
Skipper Matt Ryan will definitely be the first name on the name sheet. Kye Rowles and Bailey Right will pair up in the central defence while Nathaniel Atkinson and Aziz Behich will complete the defensive setup.
Aaron Mooy will try to tick things in the midfield and Ajdin Hrustic and Jackson Irvine will combine alongside him.
Craig Goodwin and Mathew Leckie will support from the flanks and Mitchell Duke will be the leading man up front.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ryan; Atkinson, Wright, Rowles, Behich; Hrustic, Mooy, Irvine; Leckie, Duke, Goodwin
Key Stats
These two met previously in the World Cup only once with France emerging victorious in 2018.
Australia beat France only once so far and that came way back in the Confederation Cup in 2001.
France have three final appearances since 1998, more than any other country
This is Les Bleus’ 7th consecutive appearance in the World Cup finals.
Player to Watch
Kylian Mbappe
The Paris Saint Germain forward will again be their focal point of attack as he played a pivotal part as France lifted the golden trophy four years back.
The 23-year-old has been in stellar form this time and Deschamps will build his team around the youngster.
Prediction
France 3-0 Australia
France have too much firepower compared to Australia who will be participating to prove their mere existence on this bigger stage.
Coming into the World Cup, the French side does have a number of injury concerns but that won’t take a toll on their on-field display.
France love their star man 💙 pic.twitter.com/pJatDR3DBL
— GOAL (@goal) November 21, 2022