After an exhilarating start to Russia 2018, filled with matches that have gone down to the wire, France will look to calm the waters with a win against Australia at the Kazan Arena.
One of the favourites to win the tournament, France should make light work of an Australian team that has struggled for goals in the past.
Under Didier Deschamps, France usually line up in a 4-3-3. This will allow the full backs to push up and provide width to overlap and flank a central striker. Les Bleus will press especially in the midfield area with the 4-3-3 falling back into a 4-5-1 in defence. Moreover, France will constantly be looking to transition quickly into a counter attack, exploiting the devilish pace of their wingers, Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. The pair can cross, cut in and shoot or drag their markers wide, creating a nightmare for any opposing defender.
Deschamps will have some difficult choices to make when it comes to team selection; whether or not striker Olivier Giroud will start remains to be seen. Giroud provides a valuable areal presence and hold up play however, his lack of pace could diminish France’s otherwise blistering counter attacks.
France will be hoping that their two superstars, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba will step up and lead a relatively inexperienced team to victory.
Deschamps will also play a crucial role as he needs to unite a historically volatile team and steer them to glory. Having captained Les Blues to their maiden World Cup triumph in 1998, he will look to join the elusive club, being one of the few men to win the World Cup, both as a manager and a player.
Australia on the other hand will look to pull of the tournament’s first major upset. After qualifying for their fourth World Cup in a row, via a playoff win against Syria, the Socceroos will be looking for a positive start after losing their opening game in their previous two World Cups.
Head coach, Bert van Marwijk, who took Holland to the World Cup finals in 2010, has moulded Australia into a well-organised, physically assertive team. Van Marwijk’s side usually play a 4-2-3-1 which can look like a 4-5-1 against stronger sides. Mile Jedinak and Aaron Mooy will play a crucial role as midfield anchors, whereas the Aussies will look to Tom Rogic to provide a goal threat. Thirty-eight-year old Tim Cahill, who is probably the country’s greatest ever player, could also be an X-factor from the bench. Cahill, who scored 10 goals in AFC qualifying, proved that he still has plenty in the tank, despite his age.
Team News:
Full-back Djibril Sidibe will be doubtful as he has been struggling to recover from a knee injury. Barcelona centre back, Samuel Umtiti could be ruled out, also with a knee problem.
Australia on the other hand, have no injury concerns and will field a full strength squad.