France came into the 2018 FIFA World Cup as one of the favourites for the trophy, only behind Brazil, Germany and Spain in the betting odds. Their squad is packed with top-class players, so much so that the likes of Anthony Martial, Adrien Rabiot and Alexandre Lacazette did not make the cut for Russia 2018. However, there have been questions about coach Didier Deschamps ability to get the best out of such a talented bunch, with France frequently failing to click as an attacking unit during the World Cup qualifiers. Nevertheless, the sheer weight of ability in Frances locker means that they are sure to be among the contenders barring a spectacular collapse.
Australia had a far more difficult qualification campaign than they are normally used to, as they finished third in their group in the third round of AFC qualifying, behind Japan and Saudi Arabia, which put them into a playoff against Syria; the winners of which would then play against the fourth-placed team from CONCACAF qualifying. The Socceroos came through these tests, beating Syria and then Honduras to book their spot at the World Cup; however, their preparation has been disturbed by manager Ange Postecoglus resignation right after qualification was secured. Bert van Marwijk, the Dutchman who took the Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup, was appointed as his successor, albeit only for this tournament. With the two managers having diametrically opposite philosophies on how to set up their teams, it remains to be seen how quickly the squad adjust to the new man in charge, with a mixed bag of friendly results in the lead-up to the tournament.
Both teams would have looked to get off to a good start; France looking to lay down a marker to the rest of the contenders, while Australia trying to show that they belong on the world stage.
Team News
France lined up mostly as expected, with Paul Pogba, NGolo Kante and Corentin Tolisso in midfield behind a pacy, dynamic front three of Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. The surprise came in the identity of the fullbacks, as Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez, both converted centre-backs, started ahead of Djibril Sidibe and Benjamin Mendy, although Sidibe was recovering from a knee injury. The lack of width provided from fullback would almost scupper Frances hopes in this game.
Australia had two solid ball-playing midfielders in Aaron Mooy and Mile Jedinak, while Andrew Nabbout started ahead of Tomi Juric as the striker. Tom Rogic was preferred to Massimo Luongo as the #10, while veteran Tim Cahill was on the bench.
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