Euro 2020: World Champions turn to Europe

Euro 2020: World Champions turn to Europe

Moldova vs France

France swept all before them at Russia 2018 to win the World Cup in true Gallic style; and now Les Bleus are about to get their Euro 2020 campaign under way at the Stadionul Zimbru in Moldova.

Even before a ball is kicked Didier Deschamp’s team is up there in the Euro 2020 betting odds as a likely winner, along with the likes of Belgium, England and Spain.

And they couldn’t have asked for a much gentler start to the next challenge. No disrespect to Moldova, but when Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe arrive in Chisnau, a world ranking of 170 is unlikely to be of much help!

It should be a regulation win for Les Bleus, but as we often say, it’s 11 against 11 and if the home crowd can raise the roof to get behind their boys then who knows?

Talking Points

France players in the mood

There are few better sights than France in full flow, and when their players are in the mood the football can be breathtaking. Deschamps claims he has a happy camp, though a couple of his big names have had something on their minds since the World Cup.

Following Atletico Madrid’s Champions League exit, speculation over Griezmann’s club future has intensified, with rumours of continued interest from Barcelona. The La Liga champions were tracking the France star in the summer and may still be hopeful of capturing his signature in 2019, though Premier League giants Manchester United are also said to be interested. And that might be tempting for the Atleti man as his France team-mate Paul Pogba has settled well under the leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Pogba is a man we’ll see often in the Euro 2020 highlights if he can replicate the form he showed in the World Cup and, indeed, in the Premier League after the departure of Jose Mourinho. Red Devils fans will hope the gifted midfielder’s mood swings are a thing of the past.

One of the biggest news stories of Russia 2018 was the emergence of PSG’s Kylian Mbappe as a world class talent as he terrorised defences with his electric pace, trickery and killer instinct.

It could be a torrid night for the Moldova defence.

Damage limitation for Moldova?

This is a baptism of fire for the hosts, who find themselves in a very tough Group H, containing a dangerous Turkey side and the well organised and perennial achieving Iceland, alongside the World Champions of course. Tiny Andorra provides a chance for a win, and Moldova has proved it can take points from the lesser lights, recently beating San Marino and drawing with Belarus and Luxembourg.

But the cold hard facts are that they are currently ranked as the fifth worst side in Europe, and head coach Alexandru Spiridon has won only one of the 11 games he’s been in charge.

Midfielder Radu Ginsari is the current top scorer with seven goals and can play as an attacking midfielder or wide man. But Moldova’s highest profile player is Cagliari defensive midfielder Artur Ionita. The tough tackler has been a big influence in Serie A this season and will have a lot of work to do on Friday.

History

Moldova is yet to qualify for a major championships having finished bottom of Group D in the run up to World Cup 2018; and they finished third in their Nations League group.

France also failed to win their Nations League, missing out on a semi-final place, losing to a resurgent Holland, but they have recently beaten Uruguay and Germany and have won 12 of their last 17 games, scoring 30 goals.

Betting Tip

France, Asian Handicap -2.25 @ 1.82

When we take a look at the SBOBET odds for this fixture it’s clear as day that Asian Handicap Betting is the way to go. The hosts need a lift at odds of 12.00 to win, while Les Bleus are at a tiny 1.11 and the draw is an unlikely outcome at 8.75.

Under Spiridon, Moldova has had six clean sheets in 11 games but has failed to score in seven, and if there is a glimmer of hope, France has won just one for its last four away games.

I can’t see anything other than a comfortable start for Les Bleus and I suspect Mbappe could run riot.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

Do you want to be informed about bookmakers' latest promotions? Click  and subscribe!