When it comes to World Cup betting everyone’s choice is Germany or Brazil. Spain is getting plenty of love. Argentina draws plenty of punters. And Portugal is considered a dangerous sleeper. Yet France may be the top challenger to the co-favorites. The French are commanding plenty of betting action. And with good reason. They have their most talented team ever. With a real shot to win the World Cup. Consistency is the only question. France could beat anyone on a given match day. But can they do it regularly? This is the handicapping challenge in assessing Les Bleus!
2018 FIFA World Cup France
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
World Cup Betting Online Odds: France +615 to win the World Cup. France -350 to win Group C
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: Check Listings
France
France seems to have had great luck in its draw. Group C is among the weakest in all of World Cup betting. Sure, Denmark rates some respect. But nobody really thinks the Danes can topple Les Bleus. France has depth of roster that few teams can match. Cutting Alexandre Lacazette, Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet from the team is jaw dropping. And indicative of just how loaded the French roster actually is. France was able to sever ties with that threesome due to talented youth. The new generation is the greatest in federation history.
Remembrances of the Past
In 2014 France appeared in the World Cup quarterfinals. A home loss to Portugal in the 2016 Euro was a step back. But also, perhaps a wakeup call. And few coaches can keep a team from resting better than Didier Deschamps. Since taking over the team in 2012 he has 46 wins, 13 draws, and just 15 losses. Deschamps deserves credit for his courageous lineup changes. Not to mention his betting the come on a youth movement. Most coaches would stay with the known. Deschamps is willing to gamble on the promising unknown.
Youth and Inexperience
Offsetting that youth is comparable inexperience. A total of 13 French players have 15 international caps or less. The German Behemoth and Argentina are vastly more experienced. In World Cup play that can be a difference maker. In fact, some gamblers are fading the French. They believe next time is the right time. And that this year is too early to expect too much. Reaching the knockout stages is considered to be a sportsbook online lock. But that is where the doubts begin to creep in. Deschamps likes to cry poverty. Yet he certainly expects more.
Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann looms large for France. As a pro star with Atletico Madrid he has become a phenom. At age 27 Griezmann has hit his prime. He has 19 goals in 51 international caps. Griezmann leads France’s exciting attack mentality. Few teams are more entertaining to watch. He is a big reason as to why.
Matchup to Watch
France’s biggest World Cup betting Group match is with Denmark. The French are a relatively solid -158 money line favorite. Certainly not an overlay. And yet Les Bleus is significantly more talented. This looks like a great spot for bargain hunters.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
France should defeat Demark and win Group C. They may also earn confidence for a deep run in the knockout stage.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: France to win Group C
Check out “The French Genius” Antoine Griezmann!