Giroud closes in on record as France beat Australia 4-1 in FIFA WC Group D opener to begin title defence in style


France 4-1 Australia: France beat Australia 4-1 to get off to the perfect start as Les Bleus began their title defense in emphatic style in Group D.

Olivier Giroud led the way with 2 goals hereby equaling Henry’s record while Rabiot and Mbappé also found the net. This after Australia got an early lead through Goodwin in the 1st half.

FIRST HALF

It was the worst start to the game for France as they conceded the opener within 9 minutes of the start.

ImageGoodwin gave the Socceroos an early lead as he got onto Souttar’s crossfield pass before arrowing home.

The French side were rattled with this coupled with the injury to Lucas Hernandez, who had to leave the game before a quarter was complete.

However; soon France got back into the game with some quick passing and composed possession.

Les Bleus equalized in the 27th minute through Rabiot, who headed home from Theo Hernandez’s cross; as Australia switched off.

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Soon the defending champs picked up the pace and made it 2-1 as Giroud was provided with a tap in finish from Rabiot.

The Juventus player combined wonderfully with Mbappé before feeding a cutback to Giroud; who completed the formalities.

Mbappé nearly made it 3-1 before the half but blazed it over the bar from Griezmann’s dink pass.

SECOND HALF

Australia began the 2nd half knowing they were up against the tide and nearly conceded early on.

Giroud, who scored his 50th goal of his career nearly scored via a bicycle kick from Theo’s pass. Griezmann had his shot cleared off the line by the Socceroos, as the Oceana side were hanging on.

Australia couldn’t handle the barrage of efforts and pressure got to them when Mbappé got his goal of the night as he headed home from Dembele’s pin-point assist.

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Olivier Giroud struck his second of the night within 3 minutes of Mbappé’s goal, who turned assist provider.

The AC Milan striker planted his header from the PSG-man’s cross into the far bottom corner to equal Henry’s record.

Kylian Mbappé stole the show as he tormented Australia down the wings and put in another brilliant shift.

Australia was defeated much before the full time whistle blew as France made the perfect start to their title defence.