France Women v Austria Women

France sneaked past Iceland in the opening round, but the shot data suggests Iceland probably narrowly escaped a more comprehensive defeat had the French been a little more clinical in their finishing – scoring just once from 21 attempts on goal. Austria has earlier put in a decent stint against Switzerland to beat their neighbours 1-0 in what was a pretty evenly balanced match. Playing France will be an altogether tougher task.

France have a strong record when playing sides outside the top 10 – in fact they have won 11 of their 13 games against sides ranked 20th-30th – an ominous fact for Austria who are currently placed 24th in the world rankings, and have generally avoided testing themselves against the better sides in the world. They have only played five times in the last three years against Top 10 sides – losing four and winning one. On average they have conceded two more goals than they have scored.

France should be comfortable winners therefore, but odds of 2/7 will only appeal to those with very deep pockets. Instead the (-1) handicap market might well appeal based on the stats over the past three years. As mentioned, France won 11 of their matches against sides ranked 20th-30th in the world, but nine of those were by a two goal margin, and five of them came by three or more.

Austria lost four of their five matches by at least two goals, so based on those stats, we’re going to be backing the French on the (-1) handicap at 10/11 with Betfair or Paddy Power. There is plenty of 4/5 if that gets shifted over the coming hours though, which is also perfectly reasonable.

France to win (-1) on the handicap - 10/11 with PP or Betfair.

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