World Cup 2022 France vs Australia, Tips and Predictions

Holders France begin that title defence against Australia in Group D on November 22nd at the Al Janoub Stadium. They will begin this tournament as one of the outright favourites with Betfred and despite some unconvincing performances and results in the Nations League, they will also head into this clash at the odds-on favourites.

Les Bleus dropped just two points en-route to victory at Russia 2018 and Didier Deschamps’ will fancy their chances of easing into the knock-out stages once again. They produced a professional display at the end of September to beat Austria in the Nations League and this as a much-needed result following a series of underwhelming displays throughout 2022.

This is the fifth consecutive time that Australia have qualified for the World Cup, although they’ve only progressed to the round of 16 on one of those occasions. They beat Peru on penalties in their intercontinental play-off contest to secure their place in Group D. They finished behind Japan and Saudi Arabia in the third round of qualifying, despite scoring the most goals in that particular section.

10Bet have priced up France as the likely winners in this one and with Les Bleus also heavily favoured in the World Cup betting odds, this is fairly unsurprising. 888Sport have priced up Australia at the 49/4 outsiders.

• There have been four previous meetings between these two sides. They also faced one another four years ago at the 2018 World Cup with France emerging as 2-1 winners. An 80th minutes own goal proved decisive. The two previous meetings came in international friendlies.
• France – France have lost just one of their last 12 World Cup matches and despite a few injury worries, they still possess one of the deepest and most talented squads in Europe. They managed to keep five clean sheets in their last seven qualifiers as well as scoring 12 times across their last three.
• Australia – Australia will be searching for their first WC victory since 2010. They finished bottom of the group in 2018 and managed to score just twice (including one vs France).

France beat Australia by a single goal margin when the two sides met in 2018 and a similar outcome is expected here. Les Bleus haven’t been at their best in 2022 and Didier Deschamps will be happy if his side can get through this contest relatively unscathed.

FRANCE WIN

Despite the pre-match odds, France are unlikely to have this all their own way. Australia will be keen to avoid falling behind in the first half and they will be looking to restrict their opponent’s star-studded strike-force. This game could spring to life after the break.

HIGHEST SCORING HALF – SECOND HALF

Don’t be surprised if Australia keep this one fairly close. Graham Arnold’s men won’t be beaten easily and could turn this into a tough test for the 2018 winners.

AUSTRALIA +2 ASIAN HANDICAP

France

France will be looking to become the first team to win back-to-back tournaments since 1962. Les Bleus were excellent In 2018 and although their subsequent form has been patchy, they tend to save their best form for major tournaments.

Key Players: Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann

Team News: France will be without midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante for the tournament. Lucas Hernandez has returned to action and could be selected for this opener. Jules Kounde has also proven his fitness and could be given a role on this opener. Karim Benzema, on the other hand, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a last-minute muscle injury, with Olivier Giroud ready to replace him in the starting XI.  

Predicted Lineups: Mike Maignon, Raphael Varane, Jules Kounde, Lucas Digne, Ibrahima Konate, Aurelian Tchouameni, Boubacar Kamara, Youssouf Fafana, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud.

Australia

Australia required an intercontinental play-off to book their place at this tournament and having failed to win a game during their last two appearances at this tournament, they will be keen to put that right.

Key Players: Jackson Irvine, Mat Ryan.

Team News: Harry Souttar has played very little competitive action across the twelve months and therefore is unlikely to be risked in this opener. Martin Boyle has been passed fit and is named in the squad whereas Kye Rowles could also play some part in this contest.

Predicted Lineups: Mat Ryan, Milos Degenek, Trent Sainsbury, Fran Karacic, Aziz Behich, Aaron Mooy, Adjin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Martin Boyle, Awer Mabil, Adam Taggart.

Although this has been priced up as a potentially one-sided affair, Australia should be able to give a good account of themselves. France have plenty of quality, particularly in attacking areas and that should give them the edge here.

Bet on France to Win