Group D Overview
Aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, France are drawn alongside in-form Denmark, AFCON quarter-finalists Tunisia and an Australia team competing in its fifth straight World Cup.
France bring the starpower, but their form has been inconsistent over the last couple of years.
The Favourites: France
France are without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who were both integral in their World Cup triumph in Russia.
Didier Deschamps has more than able deputies in midfield, and the rest of the squad is stacked with quality, including Golden Ball favourite Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
Les Bleus are inevitably among the tournament favourites in Qatar, but their form is poor. They followed a last 16 exit at the Euros with just one win from six Nations League matches.
Winning the group is a priority with Lionel Messi and Argentina expected to come out on top in Group C.
France are priced at 1/2 to win Group D with Betway.
Denmark
Semi-finalists at the Euros last summer and coming off an impressive Nations League showing. which included two wins over France, Denmark are not a team to be taken lightly.
The squad might not be the flashiest on paper, but there is quality throughout from Kasper Schmeichel and Andreas Christensen at the back to Christian Eriksen in midfield and the exciting Mikkel Damsgaard in the final third.
The Red and Whites were knocked out at the round of 16 four years ago, and have only made the last eight of the World Cup on one occasion. They have a real chance at going on a deeper run this time, especially if they can pip France to top spot.
Denmark have 3/1 odds to top Group D at Bet365.
Tunisia
Knocked out at the group stage four years ago, as they were in their four other World Cup appearances, Tunisia do not possess big-name talent.
But they are well-organised and have managed to grind out some important results of late, none more so than a 1-0 aggregate win over Mali in qualifying.
Tournament football hasn’t been kind to Tunisia, with only one AFCON semi-final appearance since they won the competition in 2004.
Jalel Kadri has his work cut out to take the Eagles Of Carthage into their first ever World Cup knockout match, but they could frustrate Denmark and France.
Tunisia are 5/1 to qualify from Group D with Paddy Power.
Australia
Australia have lost six of their last nine World Cup matches, suffering three straight group-stage exits. While usually competitive at World Cups, this Australia squad is very short on quality compared to the majority of teams in the competition.
A penalty shootout win over Peru secured the Socceroos’ place in Qatar, but that only came after defeats to Saudi Arabia and Japan. It is a big ask for Graham Arnold’s side to make it out of this group.
Australia are 5/1 to finish second in Group D at Coral.
Schedule and Venues
- 22nd November: Denmark vs Tunisia, 1pm, Education City Stadium
- 22nd November: France vs Australia, 7pm, Al Janoub Stadium
- 26th November: Tunisia vs Australia, 10am, Al Janoub Stadium
- 26th November: Denmark vs France, 4pm, Stadium 974
- 30th November: Australia vs Denmark, 3pm, Al Janoub Stadium
- 30th November: Tunisia vs France, 3pm, Education City Stadium
All odds are subject to change
