Olivier Giroud bagged a historic brace as France cruised to a 4-1 win over Australia in their Group D opener at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Australia started the game and led through a Craig Goodwin strike inside the opening ten minutes. Unfortunately, the Socceroos were unable to capitalise on France’s shaky start to the game.
Adrien Rabiot equalised for the holders in the 27th minute. He then combined with Kylian Mbappe five minutes later before rolling the ball for Olivier Giroud to tap in and give France the lead.
Australia nearly scored on the stroke of half-time through Jackson Irvine but his header hit the woodwork and went out.
Antoine Griezmann had an effort saved off the line in the second half only for Kylian Mbappe to make it three for France moments later. The PSG man latched onto a cross from Ousmane Dembele inside the six-yard box.
Mbappe then turned provider for Giroud’s second, which saw him equal France’s all-time goal-scoring record held by Thierry Henry.
The only cause for concern for Didier Deschamps will be an injury to Lucas Hernandez early in the first half, the extent of the seriousness of which remains to be seen.
