FIFAWC 2022: Giroud makes history as holders France thrash Australia to go top of Group D

Olivier Giroud wrote his name in French football history with his brace for France in their 4-1 thumping of Australia in Group D of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The reigning champions held off a spirited challenge from the Socceroos to get their campaign off to a flying start.

With most champions in recent history failing to progress past the group stage of the tournament, France were in danger of facing a similar fate as they lost numerous key players leading up to the tournament, including Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema. Les Bleus were looking to avoid a similar fate to Argentina, who lost to Saudi Arabia earlier in the day.

France had the worst possible start to the game as they conceded an early goal and lost another key player in a fell swoop. Mathew Leckie received the ball on the flank before sending a low cross into the box for Craig Goodwin to fire high into the net at the far post after only nine minutes. Lucas Hernandez picked up an injury in the build-up to the goal.

Les Bleus picked up the tempo and quickly drew level shortly before the half-hour mark. Substitute Theo Hernandez crossed the ball into the box for Adrien Rabiot to plant a header into the back of the net after 27 minutes.

France took the lead for the first time in the game five minutes later through AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud. The 36-year-old got on the end of a square pass from Rabiot and tapped the ball into the unguarded goal from close range.

Les Bleus continued to assert their dominance and Kylian Mbappe inevitably found the back of the net. The PSG star got on the end of a cross from Ousmane Dembele and directed his header into the back of the net after 68 minutes. The 23-year-old turned provider shortly after as he crossed following good work on the flank for Giroud to head home in the 71st minute.

France eased any fears of early elimination and banished the ghosts of 2002 with a resounding win. Giroud equalled Thierry Henry’s record tally of 51 goals for Les Bleus in nine fewer games for the national team, becoming only the second player to score 50 goals for his country. He also became France’s oldest-ever FIFA World Cup player and goalscorer.