Kylian Mbappe joined in on Tuesday night and provided another assist as France beat Australia 4-1 in their opening match at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Despite a number of injuries to key players in the world, runners-up France made a big statement with their win over the Australians.
Tuesday’s outing was particularly memorable for Olivier Giroud, who equaled Thierry Henry’s national team scoring record with a brace.
In their bid to become the second team in history after Brazil to successfully defend their World Cup title, Les Bleus’ task has been made even more difficult by the absence of a large number of players at the tournament’s inception.
In that unfortunate list the main striker Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante among others.
However, France were able to clear those attacks with a thrilling attacking display after surprisingly scoring the opening goal in the first half.
It was Craig Goodwin who gave the Socceroos an early lead when he fired home at the far post after nine minutes.
The early goal was the much-needed tonic for France who bombed their opponents afterwards.
France led by veterans Giroud and Mbappe were the firepower for the Australians.
Adrien Rabiot’s header leveled France in the 27th minute.
Rabiot then turned provider to set up Giroud’s second goal for France five minutes later
AC Milan forward Benzema is standing in for Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, who injured his thigh in training.
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Mbappe was quite lively and a constant threat and scored his first goal of this World Cup three minutes after turning it into the opener by heading Ousmane Dembele’s cross in the 68th minute.
Giroud headed in a perfect cross, equaling Henry’s record 51 goals for France.
With the win, France set the pace in Group D with a maximum of three points from their first game.
They face Denmark in their next game, while Australia have a difficult tie against Tunisia.
The Danes and the Carthage Eagles played out a barren draw earlier and also had the same scoreline in the Poland-Mexico game.
Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty in that Group C tie.
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