France vs Brazil odds and betting statistics
France vs Brazil recommended bets
France vs Brazil match preview
These two juggernauts were both expected to cruise through Group F, although they made contrasting starts to their respective antipodean adventures.
On Sunday, France were widely expected to swat aside Jamaica in Sydney, but this certainly was not how it panned out.
The game finished goalless, les Bleues’ first-ever 0-0 at the World Cup, with Kadidiatou Diani certainly France’s most-dangerous player, going close numerous times, with her header thwacking the crossbar towards the end.
Nevertheless, Jamaica’s goal wasn’t under constant pressure, with Hervé Renard’s team looking generally lacklustre and struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Following Renard’s appointment in April, replacing the very unpopular Corinne Diacre, many were tipping France for glory, with their best run, to date, coming in 2011, reaching the semi-finals.
Now though, having slipped up at the weekend, les Bleues really cannot afford another disappointing result here, or they’ll be going into this final group game under enormous pressure.
No such concerns for Brazil, who have now won all nine of their World Cup openers, following Monday’s 4-0 demolition of Panama in Adelaide.
The night belonged to Ary Borges, who became the fourth Brazilian women to score a World Cup hat-trick, but first to achieve this on her debut at the competition.
Borges’ first two goals came from close-range, with her third an inch-perfect header, but the goal of the game was scored by Bia Zaneratto, teed-up by Borges’ impudent back-heal, finishing off a free-flowing team move.
The Seleção won a fourth successive Copa América last summer, but have, to date, been unable to translate that continental dominance onto the world stage.
Since reaching the World Cup Final in 2007, Brazil haven’t won a single knockout game at this competition, but there is hope that Pia Sundhage’s team could make a deep run down under.
So, will the South American champions claim a statement victory at Lang Park, or will France get their bid for glory back on track in Perth?
France team news
Winger Kenza Dali was surprisingly left on the bench against Jamaica but, having impressed during her short cameo, could come into the XI here.
Likewise, Chelsea’s Ève Périsset could start in place of Maëlle Lakrar at right-back.
Striker Eugénie Le Sommer struggled to be involved against Jamaica, having three shots, but these produced a measly xG figure of just 0.1, so will France’s record goal-scorer be more threatening this time?
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Peyraud-Magnin; Périsset, Renard, Cascarino, Karchaoui; Toletti, Geyoro, Majri; Dali, Matéo, Le Sommer.
Brazil teams news
Having demolished Panama on Monday, there’s little reason for Pia Sundhage to change much, including leaving Marta on the bench.
Marta did see 15 minutes of action in Adelaide, now aiming to become the first player, male or female, to score at six different World Cups.
If there are any changes to this XI, winger Geyse is the most likely to come in.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Letícia; Antônia, Lauren, Rafaelle, Tamires; Luana, Kerolin, Borges, Geyse; Bia Zaneratto, Debinha.