Australia v France: Back attacks to sparkle in WWC quarter-final

• France scoring freely

• Australia must decide whether to start Kerr

• Diani can net in exciting encounter

Australia v France
Saturday 12 August, 08:00

Matildas hope to keep surfing the wave

Australia's progress to the last eight of this tournament has provided a great example of how home advantage can benefit a host nation.

Australia have used passionate crowds to their advantage in stunning wins over Canada (4-0) and Denmark (2-0), and the fact there is a huge banner of attacking star Mary Fowler on the side of a skyscraper in Sydney's business district underlines that the country has a case of World Cup fever.

What's all the more remarkable is that Tony Gustavsson's team has gotten this far with world-class centre-forward Sam Kerr a peripheral figure because of a calf injury. The coach admits he now has a huge dilemma - do you bring Kerr into a settled side and risk disrupting their cohesion, or do you use the Chelsea superstar as the ultimate impact sub?

Either way, Australia certainly carry a goal threat. Fowler's pass to set up Caitlin Foord for the opener against Denmark was arguably the assist of the tournament, Hayley Raso is in good goalscoring form, and Emily van Egmond has deputised really effectively for Kerr. Gustavsson now faces the kind of decision that can make or break a coach.

Australia's defence didn't exactly cover itself in glory in defeat to Nigeria, but they have racked up three clean sheets in four matches at this World Cup, and if you stretch back further, the Matildas have managed nine shut-outs in their last 12 internationals. That list includes a 1-0 win over France in mid-July.

Renard ready for the Brisbane roar

France coach Herve Renard says he isn't concerned about opponents Australia having home advantage in Brisbane, and he's suggested that all of the pressure is on his opponents. As he well knows, that isn't quite true, as a quarter-final exit for France would be a huge disappointment, not least because they went out as that stage as host four years ago against eventual winners the USA.

Renard was brought in to mend fences and calm things down after the divisive and toxic reign of predecessor Corinne Diacre, and he has done just that. Big stars like striker Eugenie Le Sommer and defensive titan Wendie Renard (no relation) have been tempted back into the fold with effective results.

France started in frustrating fashion with a goalless draw against Jamaica, but they have since edged out Brazil 2-1, demolish Panama 6-3 and swept aside Morocco 4-0. Le Sommer and Diani have proven to be an effective strike-force, netting seven goals between them across the last three matches. It's not just about the strikers either. Kenza Dali has had bright moments in midfield, while Selma Bacha and Sakina Karchaoui have linked up really nicely down the left.

Renard has no fresh injury concerns, and isn't expected to make wholesale changes after a fine display against Morocco in the last 16.

Goals on the cards

Despite Australia's strong defensive record, facing this array of French attacking talent represents their toughest test so far. That said, Australia will be roared on by a passionate crowd in Brisbane, and I expect them to try to play on the front foot.

If you look at the attacking players on show, Fowler, Foord, Raso, Diani, Dali and Le Sommer are all looking razor-sharp, and if you throw Sam Kerr into the mix at some stage you get a recipe that seems perfect for goals.

I'm pleasantly surprised to see Both Teams To Score trading at a healthy 2.0811/10.

Regular readers throughout this World Cup will know I'm a huge fan of Lyon forward Kadidiatou Diani, and I can't ignore her price of 11/5 to score. She has netted four goals across her last two games, and had big chances to find the net against Jamaica.