France decimate Australia 4-1 to launch World Cup defence

Gulf Today Report

France decimated Australia 4-1 to launch their World Cup defence at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha, on Tuesday.

Star player Olivier Giroud drew level with Thierry Henry's all-time record of 51 goals for France by scoring twice in his country's World Cup opener against Australia on Tuesday.

Giroud tapped in Adrien Rabiot's pass to put France 2-1 ahead in the first half.

He headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappe in the second half as the world champions moved 4-1 ahead.

Henry scored 51 times in 123 games for France. Giroud, 36, equalled the mark on his 115th international appearance.

Starting line-ups
France (4-2-3-1)
Hugo Lloris (capt); Benjamin Pavard, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe; Olivier Giroud

Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)

Australia (4-3-3)
Mathew Ryan (capt); Nathaniel Atkinson, Harry Souttar, Kye Rowles, Aziz Behich; Riley McGree, Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine; Mathew Leckie, Mitchell Duke, Craig Goodwin

Coach: Graham Arnold (AUS)

Referee: Victor Gomes (RSA)