France vs Australia LIVE World Cup 2018: Latest score, goals and updates from Kazan

Follow all the latest news from the first Group C match in Russia

World Cup Opening Ceremony

France carry a huge expectation to win big in Group C and they kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia.

Les Bleus are on a mission since losing the Euro 2016 on home soil to Portugal, but Didier Deschamps squad is expected to breeze through their group against Peru, Denmark and the Socceroos. With all four teams looking rich in talent, France needs to be extra wary if they intend to qualify to the final 16. France right-back Djibril Sidibe is still suffering from a knee injury, so it looks like Benjamin Pavard is set to start in his place.

Australia could drop Mile Jedinak but head coach Bert van Marwijk might play Massimo Luongo in central midfield.

Both teams are looking strong, but France will have to battle it out for a win.

Follow all the live action below…

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What time is kick-off?

France vs Australia kicks off at 11am BST.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown on the BBC.

Odds

France: 1/4

Australia: 9/1

Draw: 11/2

Prediction

France 3-1 Australia.

France have a real chance of winning this game and their group if they keep it together. But they will have to fight for it as no doubt Australia will bring everything they have to the table.

But who do you think will win? Let us know by voting above.

Key Points

• It's three in Russia and an action packed day featuring four games from Groups C and D
• First up, France take on Australia in Kazan at 11am
• History made as penalty awarded via VAR which Antoine Griezmann scores
• Mile Jedinak equalises for Australia also from the spot
• Paul Pogba scored late winner with deflected shot

[16 June 2018 08:53 · Ben Burrows]

Good morning and welcome to the Independent's live coverage of France vs Australia from Kazan.

[16 June 2018 10:01 · Nathan Jacobs]

Team news out and this is how favourites France line-up.

[16 June 2018 10:07 · Nathan Jacobs]

Meanwhile, Australia have a few familiar faces too, with two Premier League players. Brighton's Mathew Ryan is between the sticks and Huddersfield's Aaron Mooy in midfield. 

[16 June 2018 10:10 · Nathan Jacobs]

Australian sport hasn't been making any positive headlines these past few months, but, QPR's Massimo Luongo has been speaking to our very own Jack Pitt-Brooke about reigniting some Australian pride during this World Cup.

[16 June 2018 10:16 · Nathan Jacobs]

There's another former Premier League star sat on Australia's bench today, none other than Tim Cahill who has netted 45% of the Socceroo's World Cup goals.

He's also just three appearances away from equalling the current appearance record for the national team, currently held by Mark Schwarzer. 

[16 June 2018 10:33 · Nathan Jacobs]

What about France I hear you ask? 

Well, star man Antoine Griezmann has been hitting the headlines this week after his...shall we say... 'interesting' method of declaring where he'll be playing his club football next season. 

Teasing fans for over an hour he released this video...

[16 June 2018 10:41 · Nathan Jacobs]

Hopefully you've all had a chance to calm down after last night's extraordinary clash between Portugal and Spain where Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines for the umpteenth time. 

But, be warned. 

Today, you'll be witnessing Pogba, Messi, Eriksen and Modric, all in separate games. 

Hold on to your hats, folks! 

Kick off in 20 minutes.

[16 June 2018 10:46 · Nathan Jacobs]

Future looking bright for Les Bleus...

[16 June 2018 10:55 · Nathan Jacobs]

Anyway, it's time for the anthems starting with France's La Marseillaise.

[16 June 2018 10:56 · Nathan Jacobs]

Followed swiftly by Australia's 'Advance Australia Fair.'