At first glance Australia would rate no chance to defeat France. And the World Cup Betting Odds bear out such expectations. France boasts an embarrassment of roster riches. Australia barely got into the tournament. But what has gamblers tossing and turning is the French inconsistency. Sure, a catastrophe vs. Australia is the longest of shots. Yet one cannot say it’s a total impossibility. This first game is a great opportunity for France. With a strong win they can gain the trust of handicappers. Or they can again show why doubts remain. Talented France has often burned too many punters.
2018 FIFA World Cup Australia vs. France
Date and Time: Saturday, June 16, 2018, 6 a.m. ET
Location: Kazan Arena, Kazan
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | +1½ (+117) | 2½ (-116) |  |
| France | -1½ (-132) | 2½ (+101) | |
| |||
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: FS1
France over Australia
Australia enters World Cup Betting Odds action ranked 40th by FIFA. The Socceroos are massive long shots at +25000. They are all effort and lacking natural talent. France is the mirror opposite. Les Bleus are ranked seventh by FIFA. And a +615 chalk to win it all. For plodding Australia qualification is their goal. France on the other hand goes for the glory. Only the championship itself will satisfy.
Australia
Australia has shown strong and methodical program improvement. From 1966 through 2002 the Socceroos qualified but once. But since that time, they have made the tournament every time. But only in 2006 did they emerge to the Round of 16. Things seemed to regress in 2014. At Brazil that year Australia lost all three group matches. Qualification for this year was a massive undertaking. The Socceroos had to fight through 22 games. They had to fly over 250,000 kilometers in the process. And they were the 31st of 32 teams to make the cut.
Challenges for Australia
A major challenge for Australia is overcoming Ange Postecoglou’s departure. The head coach quit after getting the team into the tournament. Another problem is that the Socceroos rely on a 38 year old star. Tim Cahill is relied upon to carry the team. Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Massimo Luongo must step up. If they can perhaps Australia would mount a sportsbook online punchers chance.
France
France was embarrassed in the 2016 Euro. They were upset by Portugal in the final. Few have forgotten that debacle. Especially burned bettors that stepped out on them. Head coach Didier Deschamps is downplaying his team’s chances. But his team is loaded with ability. What is lacking is experience. The material is raw. Qualifying was erratic. But with a lucky Group C draw Les Bleus have margin for error. And time to come together. Antoine Griezmann epitomizes France. He has 19 goals in 51 caps for France. As a pro for Atletico Madrid he has blossomed into a star.
Matchup to Watch
Based on pure talent France should control the pitch against Australia. But gamblers will pay a heavy World Cup Betting Odds price. Especially if a stunner happens. Australia cannot rate the recommendation. But France must prove its trustworthiness.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Expensive France has too much here for Australia.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: France
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: France 2, Australia 0
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