France v Ukraine – Match Preview and Betting Tips

Betting Tips | Article posted on March 17th, 2025

Introduction

After the first-leg of the World Cup qualifying ties, one of Europe’s premier nations looks to be on the verge of missing the tournament in Brazil. France crashed to a 2-0 defeat in the Ukraine, and are faced with a mountain to climb in this second-leg. The plight of France may be some comfort to England fans, as the Ukrainians were tough opponents for England in the group stage of the qualifiers, which was generally assumed to reflect negatively on the performances of the England team. Perhaps the Ukraine are a better team than we gave them credit for.

Winner

Naturally the French are the favourites to win this one, the question on the Gallic nation’s lips will be whether or not they can overturn the 2-0 first-leg deficit. This is going to be an extremely difficult prospect, despite the fact that the home side actually looks a good team on paper, but I think they will at least win the match.

My tip: France win
Best odds: 4/9 with BetVictor

Correct Score

The French are under huge pressure to turn this one around, and I feel bound to conclude that the odds are against them. To give a competent international team such as the Ukraine a two goal head-start is going to make the going very tough for the French in this one. They also lack a truly top-class centre-forward. I just feel that the Ukraine will lose on the night, but hang on to their first-leg league and progress to Brazil.

My tip: France 1 – 0 Ukraine
Best odds: 11/2 with Paddy Power

Under / Over 2.5 Goals

My tip: Under 2.5 goals
Best odds: 3/4 with Bet365

Winning Margin

My tip: France to win by 1 goal
Best odds: 5/2 with Ladbrokes

First Goalscorer

France will be looking to one of their star players, the Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, to inspire them, and I’m tipping him to score the only goal of the game.

My tip: Franck Ribery
Best odds: 11/2 with Bet365

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