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2018 FIFA WORLD CUP: France Vs Australia

This match marks the beginning of the Russia 2018 adventure for both of these Group C teams. After delivering the best-ever performance in a FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, France will be keen to put their bitter defeat to Portugal on home soil in the UEFA EURO 2016 final behind them by progressing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

There is no doubt that France have more than enough individual class. Yet after spending two days in Istra, 70km from Moscow, it has become clear that the squad are also friends who spend plenty of time joking and laughing together. All eyes in France are on the duo of Mbappe and Griezmann, who are expected to create problems for the Australian defence on Saturday.

Although Australia are the clear outsiders in their opening game, they are happy to take on the role – if anything, it motivates them even more. Every player who has spoken to the media this week has warned against discounting the Socceroos. This team is not satisfied with simply making it to Russia; they are ready and hungry to perform. All that remains is to see which 11 players Bert van Marwijk will select.


Did you know…?

Van Marwijk actually steered Saudi Arabia to Russia 2018 but succeeded Ange Postecoglou as Australia’s coach after failing to agree a contract extension with The Green Falcons. The 66-year-old is the third Dutchman to manage Australia after Guus Hiddink, who reached the Round of 16 with the Socceroos in 2006, and Pim Verbeek, who managed the team at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Possible line-ups

France: Hugo Lloris, Benjamin Mendy, Samuel Umtiti, Raphael Varane, Djibril Sidibe, Blaise Matuidi, N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud

Australia: Mathew Ryan, Aziz Behich, Trent Sainsbury, Mark Milligan, Josh Risdon, Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo, Robbie Kruse, Andrew Nabbout, Mathew Leckie

PurplePatch:
Mbappe Giroud(2) Pogba
France 4 - 1 Australia

monerozi5590:
I bet on Pogba to score at anytime. Oh Lord, let it be.

PurplePatch:
Mbappe Giroud(2) Pogba
France 4 - 1 Australia

bedspread:
France 2-0 Australia

Grizeman
Giroud

Tecnofanboy:
My money on France , pogba and co pls make me proud i stake 100k for this game and Argentina lord !!!!

wman:
Watching this game cos of Ngolo Kante

sureteeboy:
Watching this game cos of Paul Pogba

safarigirl:
This one wey this thread dry so. Wetin dey happen? People still dey sleep abi nobody is interested?