After a six-point penalty and major coaching suspensions, Canada stumble into this second group game on Sunday against a France team loaded with attacking firepower.
France enter as favorites despite hanging on for a 3-2 win over Colombia in their opening fixture — but my France vs Canada predictions don't think they'll have any troubles in this July 28 matchup.
France vs. Canada prediction and best bet
Unique header about match outcome
Match prediction
France to win (-175)
My analysis
The talent in this French squad was on full display in the first half on Thursday as Les Bleus breezed into a 3-0 lead before the break, thanks to a Marie-Antoinette Katoto double and a goal from Kenza Dali.
Sure, they took their foot off the gas in the second half and almost paid the price, but that first 45 minutes in itself was enough to suggest France could take all three points today.
Unbeaten in their last six games, the French have multiple goal threats among Herve Renard’s attacking options, with Kadidiatou Diani netting three goals in the team’s warm-up games, and Eugenie Le Sommer impressing off the bench.
Layer on the turbulent past few days in the Canadian camp, with the positivity of their opening victory wiped away by the FIFA investigation and Bev Priestman no longer at the helm, and surely France have the edge.
While there are some experienced players in this Canada squad, it’s tough to count on a quality performance in the wake of so much chaos. They only managed to turn their 22 shots into two goals in midweek, and Sunday’s clash represents a major step up in quality.
The Canadians have lost three of the past four meetings between these nations, including a 2-1 exhibition loss last April. I’m picking the Olympic hosts to put on a show this weekend and take control of Group A.
Unique header about best bet
My best bet
Over 2.5 goals (-125)
My analysis
One look at France’s results from the past few weeks suggests they'll have no hesitation about flexing their attacking muscles. Their five-goal thriller against Colombia was very much on-brand, with the Over on 2.5 total goals hitting in four of the hosts’ last five contests.
That run of games includes a 6-3 victory over Panama and a 4-0 win against Morocco, and I like these odds for another outing with plenty of scoring chances — particularly as the Canadians now need the three points to have any chance of advancing further in this tournament.
Canada, who will be managed by assistant coach Andy Spence, are more than capable of playing their part in an end-to-end battle. Both of their fixtures this month have ended in 2-1 scorelines, and Adriana Leon and Cloe Lacasse are both quality finishers.
But this pick is mainly about France and the kind of display I expect in front of their home fans. Led by PSG’s Katoto, who’s scored five goals in her last seven international outings, the French attack seems to be peaking while Canada are reeling.
The Canadians were stunned by an early goal on Wednesday, and it’s fair to wonder whether the shock of their points penalty will have worn off by kick-off in Saint-Etienne. That could turn this into a strangely open contest, with France well equipped to capitalize on any lapses.
France vs Canada odds
- Moneyline: France -175 | Canada +500 | Draw -350
- Over/Under: Over 2.5 (-125) | Under 2.5 (+110)
France vs Canada game info
| Location: | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, France |
| Date: | Sunday, 7-28-2024 |
| Time: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Peacock, TSN |
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