France opens World Cup defence with a bang as Mbappe and Giroud humiliate Australia
After scoring twice to help the World Cup hosts defeat Australia 4-1 in their Group D opening on Tuesday at Qatar’s Al-Janoub Stadium, Olivier Giroud tied Thierry Henry for the most goals scored by a man in France history.
In the ninth minute, Craig Goodwin shockingly handed the Socceroos the lead by slamming a shot into the back post. However, France quickly got going and took the lead at the break following goals from Adrien Rabiot and then Giroud in a five-minute span.
Midway through the second half, two further goals were scored quickly. After introducing himself to the competition with his first goal in Qatar, Kylian Mbappe set up Olivier Giroud to score his 51st international goal three minutes later.
Following their goalless draw earlier in the day, the outcome places France at the top of the group, ahead of Denmark and Tunisia. It will also be a big boost for team manager Didier Deschamps after injury absences dominated the lead-up to the defence of the championship they won in Russia in 2018.
Following an injury sustained in training on Saturday, Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema joined a long list of absentees that already featured Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante. However, those who replaced them put on strong performances, demonstrating that France would not give up its trophy easily.
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