France eyeing Australia scalp in Group C

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Saturday Jun 16, 2018. 08:00

France are hoping to bounce back into the limelight on the world stage when they face Australia in their first 2018 FIFA World Cup, Group C match on Saturday afternoon.

The Les Bleus are hoping to claim a win to start their group assignments on a high to ensure they secure the top spot in the group.

However, against a stubborn Australian team who will be ready for a fight to ensure they keep their hopes of qualification to the knockout stages alive.

With stars such as Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, the 1998 champions are seen as favourites to beat Australia and top Group C.

Coach Didier Deschamps will want to do better than the quarter-finals where they finished in Brazil four years ago.

The Europeans are fresh from a win over Italy and a draw against the United States of America as they prepared for the global tournament in Russia.

A look at the Australians, sees them fresh from a 2-1 win over Hungary and a 4-0 victory over Czech Republic in their build-up to the World Cup.

Under the guidance of coach Bert Van Marwijk, the Australians are hoping to continue with their winning run.

The two nations have met three times in the past, and both have one win to their names with the other having ended in a draw.

Australia make their fifth appearance at the tournament and will want to improve their record after exiting in the group stages in Brazil.

This encounter will be staged at the Kazan Arena on Saturday at 12:00 (CAT).