FIFA World Cup 2022: Olivier Giroud Scores A Brace As France Comeback From Behind To Win 4-1 – In Pics

World Cup champions France began their title defence against Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. The first Group D clash ended in a draw giving France a golden chance to win the game and jump to the first spot. The game started in a surprising fashion as against all odds Australia took the lead through Craig Goodwin in the 9th minute. It took France just 18 minutes to come back into the game as Adrien Rabiot scored a header from a Theo Hernandez cross. Five minutes later, Juventus midfielder Rabiot turned provider as the Frenchman cutback in the centre of the box for an unmarked Olivier Giroud to slot the ball home, giving France a 2-1 lead. In the second half, France continued to dominate the proceedings as Kylian Mbappe got onto the score sheet. Ousmane Dembele created space and swung a delicious ball inside the box which Mbappe headed on the back post and in the back of the net. In the 71st minute, Giroud grabbed his second of the night, heading home from an Mbappe cross and in the process equaling Thierry Henry’s 51 goals record for France. The match ended 4-1 in faovur of the reigning champions as the French side showed their class and talent.

Updated: 23 Nov 2022 11:28 am

FIFA World Cup 2022, group D: France vs Australia | Photo: AP/Christophe Ena

France's Olivier Giroud celebrate the win against Australia after the end of the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022, group D: France vs Australia | Photo: AP/Francois Mori

Supporters of France celebrate after France's Kylian M'Bappe scores the fourth goal against Australia during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, being shown live on television in a bar, in Paris.

France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring against Australia during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

France's Kylian Mbappe scores against Australia during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022, group D: France vs Australia | Photo: AP/Frank Augstein

France's Olivier Giroud, right, goes for scissors kick by Australia's Kye Rowles during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022, group D: France vs Australia | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino

France's Olivier Giroud, right, kicks the ball during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

France's Kylian Mbappe, left, and Australia's Kye Rowles fight for the ball during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022, group D: France vs Australia | Photo: AP/Pavel Golovkin

Players in action during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022, group D: France vs Australia | Photo: AP/Francisco Seco

France's Olivier Giroud, left, celebrates with his teammate Ousmane Dembele after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

France's Adrien Rabiot, first right, scores with a header during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022, group D: France vs Australia | Photo: AP/Thanassis Stavrakis

Australia's Craig Goodwin celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup group D soccer match between France and Australia, at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.