World Cup 2022 Group D Team Guides: Australia
You may have to go all the way back to 1962 to find the last time a team retained the World Cup but nevertheless – don't expect the rest of Group D to underestimate France.
Whether Didier Deschamps' team can replicate the feats of Brazil 50 years ago remains up for discussion but any team with Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema in the side need to be taken very seriously indeed.
Denmark will provide a stern test, especially after impressing at the last European Championships with a run to the last four and should qualify with the French, although with nothing expected of Tunisia or Australia in such a tough group, there could be a few twists along the way.
Three things you need to know about Australia:
Three things you need to know about Australia
Coach: Graham Arnold
Highest finish: Last 16 (2006)
2018 finish: N/A
FOX Bet odds: +50000
Key players: Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic
What we're excited to watch: Attacking midfielder Ajdin Hrustic was a Europa League winner with Eintracht Frankfurt and showed his aptitude for the big occasion when he stepped up to score a penalty in the shootout win over Rangers in the final. Now plays in Italy for Hellas Verona.
What success looks like: Last 16
Achilles' heel: This is an Australia side lacking experience at the highest level and that could cost them dear. They need to play with no fear if they are to get out of the group, but even that probably won't be enough.
X-Factor: A lot is expected of 18-year-old sensation Garang Kuol who has just signed for Newcastle United in the Premier League. He recently became the youngest Socceroo since Harry Kewell in 1996. The attacker has an eye for goal and will be an unknown for many.
Group D Preview: France, Australia, Tunisia, and Denmark
Goalkeepers: Maty Ryan, Andrew Redmayne, Danny Vukovic
Defenders: Milos Degenek, Aziz Behich, Joel King, Nathaniel Atkinson, Fran Karacic, Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles, Bailey Wright, Thomas Deng
Midfielders: Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine, Ajdin Hrustic, Keanu Baccus, Cameron Devlin, Riley McGree
Forwards: Awer Mabil, Mathew Leckie, Martin Boyle, Jamie Maclaren, Jason Cummings, Mitchell Duke, Garang Kuol, Craig Goodwin
Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the author of the FOX Sports Insider newsletter. Follow him on Twitter @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.
