Wednesday 25/06/2014, 22:00, World Cup Group E, Ecuador vs France

Ecuador vs France Betting Preview

France is quickly returning to its winning ways and following a mediocre qualification campaign, they seem to be back on track. The friendly games were encouraging and with a new coach being more inclined to focus on an offensive strategy, it looks like the Europeans are once again a strong contender. They were lucky enough to play in a very easy group, but this means that the pressure weighing on their shoulders to advance to the next stage as winners, is considerable.

Ecuador vs France Betting Odds

At Bet365

Ecuador 4.00, Draw 3.30, France 1.95

Ecuador vs France Betting Tips

Facing Ecuador on the road is usually a worrisome scenario, but given the fact that the South Americans don't have home pitch advantage, the pressure is alleviated. French players won't have to worry about competing against opponents that are used to high altitudes, because the match is played on a neutral venue, where everyone has the same chances.

This match provides France with a rare opportunity to play overly aggressive and this will probably be the match in which Deschamps will start with three strikers. The manager has plenty of options and it would be a mistake to rest his players, instead of putting them to the test.

It's been a while since France had four capable strikers to choose from and all of them exceeded expectations in the string of friendly games. The offensive outburst began during the qualification campaign, as they won three out of four games, including the 3-0 decisive victory over Ukraine.

France was on the verge of winning all four friendly games to nil but eventually had to settle for three out of four, as Paraguay leveled the score in the last minute. Jamaica is hardly a tough nut to crack, but the fact that France scored eight goals against them says a great deal about the motivation and ability of their strikers.

Key Facts

• Ecuador won just twice in the last 14 games, but one of those victories was a 4-3 triumph over Australia who was at one point 3 goals ahead.
• France defeated Ecuador in a friendly game six years ago by two goals to none.

Ecuador vs France Betting Odds Prediction

At least in theory, France has no reason to throw everything it's got at Ecuador, because a narrow margin victory would suffice. The thing is that they've got what it takes to win by goals or more without breaking a sweat and this is exactly the kind of start they need ahead of the elimination round. Regardless of what three strikers the manager will choose for the starting formation, the Europeans should prevail and the odds of 1.95 are good enough to give them credit.

Bet: France @ 1.95 with Bet365