World Cup 2018: France vs Australia predicted line-ups and preview – Can the star-studded Le Bleus get off to a flier in Russia?
SunSport assesses the Group C clash between the Euro 2016 runners-up and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup winners
FRENCH coach Didier Deschamps rates his team as fourth favourites to win the World Cup behind Brazil, Germany and Spain.
So he certainly won’t expect anything other than victory in today’s opening game in Kazan.
The Aussies lost all three of their games in Brazil four years ago and have only gone beyond the group stages once in their history.
They have already played 22 qualifying games to get to Russia - more matches than any other nation at Russia - so will be determined to make the most of this opportunity.
THE NATION EXPECTS
France clearly believe they are heading for the semi-finals and maybe beyond, so know that failure to beat Australia in Kazan today will not go down like a lead balloon back home.
Australia have their eyes on second place in Group C and believe if they can avoid a heavy defeat today they could sneak in above Peru and Denmark.
KEY BATTLES/STAR MEN
French striker Antoine Griezmann has the potential to be the star of the tournament and his electric pace will stretch the Australian defence and open up spaces for exciting youngsters Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Australia will look to make it a physical battle, with Massimo Luongo and Huddersfield’s industrious Aaron Mooy going to war with Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante in the middle of the pitch.
WEAKEST LINKS
The French are not half as impressive in defence as they are up front and the loss of the injured Laurent Koscielny has hit them hard at the back, especially with Samuel Umtiti struggling with a knee problem.
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Australia’s biggest problem is simply a general lack of top quality. Many of their squad ply their trade in the Championship and will be punching above their weight against the classy French.
LIKELY LINE-UP AND TEAM TALK
French coach Didier Deschamps is playing down comparisons to the time he captained France to World Cup glory in 1998 and is doing everything he can to keep a lid on expectations.
Probable team (4-3-3): Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Tolisso, Kante, Pogba; Griezmann, Mbappe, Dembele.
Dutchman Bert van Marwijk only took charge of the Aussies after they had already qualified for the World Cup and is urging his team to play a more refined style than the rugged approach which has served them so well in the past.
Probable team (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Risdon, Sainsbury, Milligan, Behich; Mooy, Luongo; Leckie, Rogic, Kruse; Nabbout.