Teams on Group D - France the Favourites, But Will Have to Fend Off Danish and Australian Advances
Bookies may present Group D as a one-horse race, but we think it will be far closer than the 2022 World Cup Group D betting odds suggest. Sure, the French are the favourites to win the group, but they will face stiff opposition from a resilient Denmark, a motivated Australia and Tunisia’s relatively young and tenacious squad. Let’s look at each team’s chances and see how these four teams will fare during the group stage.
Australia - No Pressure on the Socceroos
Australia has been a World Cup regular in the last twenty years but hasn’t set the world alight with its performances, at least not in the last two tournaments where it only picked a solitary point.
However, that could all change in Qatar. A group of France and Denmark would inspire anyone, especially those plucky Aussies who always roll with the punches. Past failures can only serve as added motivation for the Socceroos, and the fact that the Australians will play with little pressure in this group where they are the third favourite can only help.
Denmark - Will Try to Make That Second Spot Their Own
One look at the betting odds World Cup bookmakers give to Denmark tells you all you need to know. The Danes are not expected to win Group D. However, qualification is a must. And with a squad of Andreas Christensen, Christian Eriksen, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg that’s something the Danes can achieve. These footballers have been playing together for several years and are now at the peak of their careers. So, betting on them to finish second or even first in Group D is a wager worth considering.
France - Anything But First Will Be a Disappointment
The French have a star-studded team that features the creme de la creme of world football. The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Jules Kounde, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann would walk into any side. Fortunately for the French, they have them all in their national team. So, it’s no surprise World Cup bookies make Les Bleus their top favourites in Group D.
However, let’s not forget about one other star-studded French team - the one that played in the 2002 World Cup. At that tournament, the French, fresh from winning their first World Cup trophy, came to Japan and South Korea ready to dazzle the world. Unfortunately, they packed their bags and went home as early as game 3, picking just one point in the process. So, back the French, but don’t forget that all footballers are only human.
Tunisia - Nothing to Lose, But a Lot to Gain
The Tunisians are the outsiders in Group D, and very little is expected from them. However, it is in situations like these that teams take opponents by surprise and qualify for the next stage despite no one giving them a chance. We are not sure the Tunisians will do that, but looking at their squad, we feel they are more than capable of giving the three stronger teams a run for their money.
WC Group D Winner Betting Odds
Bookies can’t see beyond France when it comes to the favourite of winning Group D. The French get the lowest odds which is understandable as they boast a formidable squad with not one but several World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot contenders. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on a cheeky bet on Denmark or Australia. The steep betting odds and common sense suggest that backing Tunisia to win the group might be a step too far, though.