France defeated Australia 4-1 in their opening encounter at the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday, November 22 at Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha.
Craig Goodwin’s goal barely nine minutes into the game gave Australia an unexpected lead.
France’s injury-plagued build-up to the tournament saw left-back Lucas Hernandez come off hurt in the sequence that led to Goodwin’s goal.
They rallied to equalize through Adrien Rabiot before Giroud put them ahead in the 32nd minute with a simple finish for his 50th international goal.
In the second half, Kylian Mbappe scored, and Giroud secured the victory, matching Henry’s record of 51 goals for France. After Denmark and Tunisia drew 0-0, they now lead Group D.
With his goals last night, 36-year-old AC Milan striker Oliver Giroud, who has 115 caps, has been France’s oldest player to score in a World Cup.