Do frictional forces act in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the applied force?

Frictional forces act in the direction opposite to the MOTION. That direction could be the same OR opposite to applied force.

-- If you push a loaded heavy wagon from behind, trying to get it going faster, friction is acting against you, opposite to your force.

-- If you push a loaded rolling heavy wagon from in front, trying to make it slow down, friction is acting with you, in the same direction as your force.

-- Opposite to the motion both times.