World Cup 2022: France v Australia Odds

Australia’s opening match is against France in Group D. We take a look at the predictions for France v Australia, from result to goal scorers.

France start the defence of their title in a Group D match against Australia later today. Their aim is to match Brazil’s 1958-62 performance of back-to-back titles. Australia in comparison have not won a World Cup match since 2010 when they edged past Serbia 2-1.

Match favourites

Clear match favourites are France with odds of 3/10 against (bet $10 to get $3). Odds of a draw are 5/1.

If you’re looking to back Australia, who are firmly the underdogs in this match, then the odds are 11/1, which would be a nice win if it happened.

Why back France?

France are defending champions and as such will be out to retain their title emulating the great Brazilian sides of 1958 and 1962. However, they have been hit by injury with forward Karim Benzema injuring his thigh during training and out for the rest of the tournament. Also out are midfields N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba with hamstring and knees injuries respectively.

There’s still Kylian Mbappe up front – who is second favourite behind Harry Kane to win the Golden Boot – with 12 goals in 14 matches for PSG this season. He’s backed by Antoine Griezmann who scored 6 goals in 8 games for France during qualifying.

Can Australia edge it?

Australia has a strong defensive team only letting in 2 goals in the last 5 matches. In fact, in their last 3 matches they’ve maintained clean sheets.

Jamie Maclaren is Australia’s top offensive player with 7 goals in his last 10 internationals. He’s also been on fire in the A-League this season scoring in each of the 6 matches he’s played. He’s hit the back of the net twice in two of those games.

First goal scorer

It goes without saying that the odds are in favour of the French players to score first in France v Australia later.

Kylian Mbappe is 29/10 to score first, with Olivier Giroud at 9/2 and Griezmann 11/2.

For the Aussies there are longer odds with Jamie Maclaren at 16/1, followed by Mitchell Duke and Jason Cummings at 20/1.

If Australia’s strong defence gives you hope for a goalless draw, then the odds if 33/2 for no goal scorer may seem attractive.

Winning Margin

Just how close this game is also of interest to the bookies. Following England’s 6-2 win over Iran yesterday, it’s possible it could be raining goals for France too.

The odds for France to win by one goal are 11/4, followed by a French win of two goals at 3/1. If you think France can match England’s positive goal difference of 4, then you’0d be looking at odds of 13/2. Though as we’ve said, Australia do have a strong defensive team.

A draw is showing at 13/2. For those who believe in miracles, an Australia win by 4 goals or more is a stonking 500/1.