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The match between Australia and France will be the first match in Group C, 6 hours before the kick-off between Peru and Denmark. It will be the 5th match of this year's World Cup and the match will take place on the third game-day of the mega tournament. Russia began the World Cup in grand style, defeating Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the World Cup opener. Uruguay won a nail-biter against Egypt.
France will start this match as heavy favorites due to their formidable squad. Australia will have to do something miraculous to defeat them. But matches aren't won on paper and it will be interesting to see how the Australians fare. Here we will have a look at the five players who could influence the result of this match.
#4 Trent Sainsbury
The centre-back will play for the Socceroos and could even captain them if the pre-match press conference is anything to go by. He attended the pre-match press conference instead of actual captain, Mile Jedinak. There is a lot of talk about Jedinak having lost his place in the team. Back to Trent, he has represented Australia in 35 matches.
He is known to be a pretty solid and imposing defender and it remains to be seen if he can deliver an imposing performance. The French forwards could find it difficult if Trent can get himself going. He will have to be on his toes against France and give Australia a chance of causing an upset.
#3 Hugo Lloris
The French skipper will play a key role for them as a goalkeeper. He is one of the best shot-stoppers in the world and will look to deliver a memorable performance for his team. He is a veteran of 98 caps and led them to the Final of the Euro 2016. He boats of lightning-fast reflexes as a goalie. He is formidable in one-on-one situations as well. He is a strong contender for the Golden Glove as well.
These factors could hamper Australia as they don't have a lot of good options in the attacking department.
He had 3 clean sheets in the 2014 World Cup which was held at Brazil. He would look to add to his tally of clean sheets with another one against the Australian strikers. He is the most capped goalkeeper for Les Bleus in their history and he will be important for them throughout the tournament.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
The teenage prodigy has been impressive for Paris Saint-Germain and France. He will look forward to featuring at the World Cup. He has already received 15 caps and scored 4 times for France. The former Monaco forward is the second youngest player to have played for France. He idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo and he could become as great as him in the coming years.
He can dribble past the defenders with exceptional speed, skill and composure which means that he can score goals with ease. He plays with freedom and having no pressure could mean that he could be ruthless against a weak Australian defense. He could trouble the Australian defenders with his speed and terrific goal scoring ability.
He is valued at €145 Million which is a testament to the talent that he possesses. He will play a crucial role for his country throughout the duration of the tournament. He will also be a strong contender for the Best Young Player award.
#1 Antoine Griezmann
The star forward will lead the attack for France in this year's World Cup. He has been sensational for his club, Atletico Madrid. He had a pretty good season with them as he scored 29 goals. Although it isn't as good a return as some of the other players, it is good enough as he will be ably supported by Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Dembele.
He has scored 20 goals for his country in 54 appearances. He could cause problems for a relatively inexperienced Australian defense. The No.7 will look forward to having a good time in the World Cup. He starts the tournament as one of the favorites to win the Golden Boot and he could be in for a goal-fest in a group with 3 relatively weaker teams.
