The Best Bet: Assessing the trade potential in France vs Australia
France are favourites to win when they face Australia, of that there is no doubt. Les Bleus are as short as 1.22 with some bookmakers to secure all three points against the Socceroos on Saturday and finding value in the Group C opener is easier said than done.
However, when comparing the contrasting styles of the two teams, it’s possible to make money on this match and not be bogged down with marginal gains. Under Bert van Marwijk, Australia have adopted a compact setup that allows for the team down under to sit deep before maximising the speed of the wingers and lone forward to spring lightning fast counter attacks.
With a dogged midfield three of Aaron Mooy, Mile Jedinak and Massimo Luongo, we can expect Australia to work tirelessly off the ball to disrupt France’s rhythm in their pursuit of an upset. Of course Didier Deschamps’ side aren’t to be taken lightly and any early lapses in concentration could come back to haunt Australia.
By keeping the score level, though, Australia’s chances of success improve immeasurably as the clock ticks towards the 90. France have ample attacking options to pry apart the Socceroos, however, and if Australia do manage to keep things tight, Deschamps can simply look to his bench to provide the necessary spark to hurt Van Marwijk’s side.
In four of their last five outings, Australia have been drawing at half time before going on to beat Honduras and Hungary, drawing with Colombia or losing to Norway. With the personnel at Deschamps’ disposal, you’d expect France to eventually grind out the victory, but there is value in backing Australia to hold the European giants, at least in the first half.
The draw at half time and France to win at full time is out as far as 4.5 with Marathon Bet, which could prove a decent money maker on Saturday. Australia will keep things tights early on, but are expected to fold sooner or later in the Group C match up and this may be a decent start to your betting this weekend.
