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France vs Australia – World Cup: Team news, injury updates, potential lineups, and prediction.
At the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup, France is going to match up with Australia on Tuesday evening in a rematch of their opening group stage game.
In Tuesday’s World Cup 2022 Group D opening at the Al Janoub Stadium, an injury-plagued France will begin the defence of their global crown against Australia.
Les Bleus won the World Cup four years ago in Russia, while the Socceroos are looking to break a record of three consecutive group-stage exits.
The first-ever use of VAR at a World Cup awarded France a penalty, which Antoine Griezmann converted en route to the ultimate champions’ 2-1 triumph. Australia failed to win a single game in Russia and has not won a World Cup since 2010.
Here’s all you need to know about France’s first World Cup defence encounter.
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Team News:
Frances:
Even before the opening kickoff, injuries have been a recurring topic for France. On Saturday night, Karim Benzema’s forced withdrawal due to a thigh problem made headlines after only recently rejoining Raphael Varane in full training.
Deschamps has been compelled to replace Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku with Axel Disasi and Randal Kolo Muani, respectively, in addition to not naming a replacement for Benzema.
In Benzema’s absence, the attacking lineup is anticipated to consist of Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, and Ousmane Dembele. Varane may not be risked for the first matchday, therefore Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano may start at the back.
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Varane, meanwhile, has been cleared by Deschamps to make his debut, while Eduardo Camavinga, who missed training on Sunday due to soreness, is expected to be OK for kickoff.
Australia:
France are not the only ones to have been cursed on the injury front, as Hibernian striker Martin Boyle has been nursing a knee problem and has been forced to withdraw from the squad.
The 29-year-old has been replaced, and other than Ajdin Hrustic, who has apparently been working as usual following his own injury worry, Arnold has every one of his squad healthy and ready to go.
Despite having had little to no match practice since having his ACL repaired, Stoke City defender Harry Souttar has stated that he is prepared to play on the first matchday. However, Bailey Wright may start off being favoured in this situation while Souttar works to regain his fitness.
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Possible lineup:
France’s possible starting lineup:
Lloris; Pavard, Saliba, Konate, Lucas Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Australia’s possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Atkinson, Wright, Rowles, Behich; Hrustic, Mooy, Irvine; Leckie, Duke, Goodwin.
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Score prediction:
Due to injuries and the ongoing issue of team chemistry, France’s preparation for the tournament has not been the most tranquil. However, with the abundance of skill that Les Bleus possess, most XIs Deschamps selects will theoretically outperform Arnold’s Socceroos in terms of quality.
Only three of the last 12 World Cup champions have started their title defence with a victory. By the time France’s 2002 opener against Senegal was notoriously lost, Deschamps had already given up playing. Although not impossible, it is improbable that he will find that management scandal.
Prediction: France 3-1 Australia