France vs Paraguay
Cast your mind back to this time last year.
The time when a nation was awaiting the start of what it hoped and prayed would lead to a triumph on home soil.
It so nearly proved to be as football games in Euro 2016 led the national team to within just one victory of being crowned European champions.
In the end, Eder’s superb strike in the second half of extra-time surprised the betting odds and ensured Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal lifted the trophy.
The hurt now cast aside, though not forgotten, the sports betting focus is now on this time next year and France are well on their way to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Victory in a June 9 clash in Sweden will give Didier Deschamps side further impetus in the race to Russia, so this home clash in Lorient will be an ideal time to experiment.
Indeed, so will a game against England on the other side of the Swedish sandwich.
These remain exciting times for France (1X2 @ 1.26 to win this one) with a potentially potent blend of experience and youth.
To name just five, Les Bleus have Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, Alexandre Lacazette, N’Golo Kante and Kylian Mbappe, the teenager who burst onto the scene with Monaco with 24 goals, eight assists, a run to the Champions League semi-finals and a first Lique 1 title for Monaco in 17 years.
Whether the current crop at Deschamps’ disposal are yet ready to be considered serious contenders for a tilt at the world title, it is simply too early to tell.
But opportunities like this fixture against Paraguay – at the conclusion of a draining season for many stars – provide the perfect chance for players to show their mettle and for the manager to learn more about his players mentally and physically.
Of course, the South Americans, unlikely to qualify for Russia 2018 themselves after four defeats in their past six matches, may have other ideas, even with odds of 1X2 @ 11.50.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
