Our betting expert has three Australia vs France tips for the Women’s World Cup quarter-final on Saturday at Lang Park, Brisbane (8am BST kick-off). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.
Australia vs France betting tips
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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Matildas ready to make their mark
The semi-finals of a Women’s World Cup represents uncharted territory for tournament co-hosts Australia but they look ready to make an impression against France in the last eight in Brisbane.
The French campaign began with a frustrating 0-0 draw with Jamaica in Group F but Herve Renard’s side brushed themselves down to dispatch Brazil 2-1 and thump Panama 6-3 to progress to the knockout stages.
They followed up with a routine 4-0 thrashing of Morocco and are now targeting a place in the last four for the first time since 2011.
But while France have looked pretty capable under Renard, on Saturday they will not only be up against Australia but also a crowd of nearly 50,000 fans in the Suncorp Stadium.
Home advantage could be crucial to the co-hosts’ cause at this stage of the tournament and Tony Gustavsson’s side have gone from strength to strength since their first group game.
The Matildas opened with a nervy 1-0 win over Ireland before a 3-2 defeat to Nigeria, leaving them at risk of a premature exit.
But Australia have since responded with 4-0 and 2-0 victories over Canada and Denmark, and have reached this stage of the competition without star player Sam Kerr starting a single match.
The spirit in the team is unparalleled and they are a value pick to pull off a surprise win over Les Bleues.
Australia vs France tip 1: Australia to win @ 12/5 with Betfair
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Brisbane battle should not disappoint
While Australia may be a good selection to win the match, they will not have it easy against France, who have been one of the most engrossing teams going forward at the Women’s World Cup.
In their previous three matches the French have plundered 12 goals, with Kadidiatou Diani playing a starring role.
Before the quarter-finals, no player had more goal involvements in this tournament than her. She forms a dangerous attacking partnership with veteran Eugenie Le Sommer.
The Matildas, meanwhile, have scored at least twice in three of their four matches in this competition despite Kerr’s absence and her return only increases the likelihood of goals. Over 2.5 goals is a decent bet at 13/10.
Australia vs France tip 2: Over 2.5 goals @ 13/10 with Betfair
Kerr can spearhead famous victory for Australia
Although it was only a friendly match, the Aussies got the better of the French only last month and they can repeat the feat when these sides clash in the quarter-finals in Brisbane.
This time, however, goals could be on the cards with these nations having netted a combined 21 in the tournament. So Australia to qualify and both teams to score makes up two parts of the bet builder.
To complete it, add a bet on Kerr to score anytime.
The Matildas’ ace scored a respectable 12 goals in the Women’s Super League for Chelsea last term and she has shown time and time again that she is a player for the big occasion, having got the winner in the FA Women’s Cup final against Manchester United in May.
Australia vs France tip 3: Australia to qualify, both teams to score and Sam Kerr to score anytime @ 7.85/1 with Betfair
Australia vs France odds
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Australia vs France team news
Australia
Kerr played her first minutes of the tournament in the previous round against Denmark and she is likely to be in from the start on Saturday, with the rest of the squad fit and available.
Australia predicted XI (4-4-2): Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley; Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Foord; Kerr, Fowler
France
Boss Renard, while not settling on a starting XI during the tournament, has a fully fit squad to face Australia. There are likely to be no changes from the side that beat Morocco.
France predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Peyraud-Magnin; Perisset, Renard, De Almeida, Karchaoui; Dali, Geyoro, Toletti, Bacha; Le Sommer; Diani
Last five results
Australia
August 7 WC Australia 2 Denmark 0 W
July 31 WC Canada 0 Australia 4 W
July 27 WC Australia 2 Nigeria 3 L
July 20 WC Australia 1 Ireland 0 W
July 14 FR Australia 1 France 0 W
France
August 8 WC France 4 Morocco 0 W
August 2 WC Panama 3 France 6 W
July 29 WC France 2 Brazil 1 W
July 23 WC France 0 Jamaica 0 D
July 14 FR Australia 1 France 0 L
- WC Women’s World Cup FR Friendly
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