The clash between France and Ivory Coast promises to be a real thriller as the French giants look to continue their fine run while the Elephants aim to cause an upset on the big stage. Naija fans know how these friendlies can turn into goal fests especially when one side boasts world beaters in attack and the other struggles to keep things tight at the back. With France fresh from strong showings against top South American sides everyone expects them to dominate but Ivory Coast have shown they can hang in there even if results have not always gone their way lately.
Team Form
Les Bleus have been in top gear lately reaching the World Cup final in both 2018 and 2022 which shows they are always in the mix for major silverware. Their qualifying campaign was smooth with five wins and just one draw while they banged in at least two goals every game thanks to a squad packed with star names. Recent friendlies saw them edge Brazil 2-1 and then hammer Colombia 3-1 proving they are ready for any test that comes their way.
- France unbeaten in last six matches with strong attacking output
- Ivory Coast topped their group but only just ahead of Gabon by a single point
- Early exit at AFCON after quarterfinal loss to Egypt 0-2
Tactical Analysis
France like to press high and use their pacey forwards to create chances quickly which often leads to open games full of goals. Ivory Coast on the other hand tend to sit back and rely on counter attacks but their defensive record against strong European sides has been shaky over the years with no wins in three previous friendlies against this opponent. Expect Didier Deschamps men to control possession and create plenty of openings while the Africans might find it hard to match that intensity all game long.
- France strengths include clinical finishing and solid midfield control
- Ivory Coast weaknesses show in away games against top teams and leaky defense
Betting Proposal
Given how France have been scoring freely and Ivory Coast have conceded in most big matches the smart types point towards plenty of goals here. The French rarely fail to find the net multiple times and even a defensive setup from the visitors is unlikely to stop the flow completely. This match has all the makings of an entertaining affair with both teams likely to get on the scoresheet.
France and Ivory Coast to score three goals and more looks the value play here so grab the total over 2.5 at odds of 1.65 before it moves.
