In a Group D group stage match on Tuesday, France will take on Australia with kickoff at Al Janoub Stadium set for 2 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the France vs. Australia odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
France is among the tournament favorites to win it all, but they will be without Ballon d’Or winner F Karim Benzema, who will miss the entire World Cup. France still has an ultra-deep lineup and arguably the best player in the tournament in F Kylian Mbappe. Other household names include F Ousmane Dembele and F Antoine Griezmann.
Australia comes into this World Cup confident after a 2-0 win over New Zealand in their most recent match. Having 10 shots and a clean sheet should have them ready to take on the defending World Cup champions.
Being 32nd in the FIFA rankings is not quite ideal considering their opponent is ranked No. 4. The Aussies are only projected to have an 8% chance to pull out the win over France, especially with a weak attack overall.
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France vs. Australia odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 10:12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: France -380 (bet $380 to win $100) | Australia +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | Draw +520
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +115)
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Prediction
France 2, Australia 0
Moneyline (ML)
PASS.
France is clearly the better team and all of these values are most definitely justified, and they do not pose enticing lines.
A draw (+520) is not a terrible option, but overall it would be the safest to pass on this fixture and look for value in the total.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (+115).
Australia has yet to play a squad with the talent and class that France has. Australia should have an immensely difficult time just possessing the ball given France’s dominance in the midfield.
Even though they will miss their most aggressive goalscorer in Benzema, France has too many attacking weapons and should be able to break through, although an injury to distributor M Paul Pogba could hamper how effective the strikers are.
On the other hand, most of Australia’s top-tier talent, those playing in the EPL and other top leagues, come on its backline.
Only one player, F Mathew Leckie has over 10 international goals as well. I wouldn’t expect them to have much success in controlling or attacking. They have gone Over this total just twice in their last 7 games.
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