Prediction: France vs Bolivia

Prediction: France to win both halves

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: bet365

The domestic season is coming to an end across Europe, which means that for many of us, it’s time to start taking a look ahead to some of the international games that we’ll get the chance to sample in the next few months. Some are much, much more important than others, with Copa America, Nations League, Africa Cup of Nations and the Women’s World Cup all being on the horizon. The game we’re going to take a look at today will likely serve as a showcase and nothing more, as the world champions France take to the stage.

France

When you’re the world champions, there is always going to be a target on your back. So far, nearly a year on since winning the World Cup in Russia, it seems like Les Bleus are handling that pressure fairly well. The next objective for them is going to be winning the European Championships next year, banishing the memories of their final defeat to Portugal back in 2016. For now, though, they just need to keep their confidence at an all time high heading into the upcoming qualifiers.

Team News

Lloris and Sissoko have the Champions League final to worry about so won’t be present in the squad, but the other usual big hitters should feature here.

Bolivia

As a footballing nation, Bolivia hasn’t quite been able to capture the same imagination and success as the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Colombia (amongst others). They finished in ninth place out of a possible ten nations in the CONMEBOL qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with just four wins in 18 games. They’ll come up against the aforementioned Brazil in their Copa America group later this summer, as well as Peru and Venezuela which are fairly winnable games.

Team News

Marcelo Martins and the three Puebla-based players are the only non-domestic players that will be featuring in this Bolivia squad, which is quite the statistic.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at La Beaujoire-Louis-Fonteneau.
• France have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Bolivia have drawn three and lost three of their last six games.
• France have scored 13 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Bolivia have scored three goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

Bolivia are a gritty team and are a match for anyone at home due to the climate, but this isn’t just anyone – and they aren’t at home. France are still easily the favourites for the Euros alongside the likes of Belgium and England, and it feels like they’re going to prove why once again here. They will score early in the first half, ride the game out until half time, and then add one or two more goals in the second 45. Long story short, there are just very few teams around the world that can stop them right now.

Prediction: France to win both halves

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: bet365