Doha – The current champions France defeated Australia in the first match of the World Cup. France won by four goals to one. Adrien Rabiat (27), Kylian Mbappe (68) and Olivier Giroud (32,71) netted for France. Australia conceded four goals after taking the lead through Craig Goodwin in the 9th minute. With a double goal, Giroud joined Thierry Henry in the record of scoring the most goals for France. Both have 51 goals each.
From the beginning of the match, France has brought out the best attack. Ousmane Dembele’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected by the Australian defense in the second minute. Kylian Mbappe’s forward in the fifth minute also missed the mark. Australia’s goal was scored in the 9th minute while trying to maintain possession.
After the goal fell, France attacked and scored in the 27th minute through Adrien Rabiat and in the 32nd minute through Olivier Giroud. Giroud’s 50th goal for France was scored in the 27th minute against Australia. At the end of the first half, France led in possession, shots and passes. French fans were disappointed when Kylian Mbappe missed the chance to score in the 43rd minute.
From the start of the second half, France completely controlled the game. The French strikers and the Australian defense clashed constantly. Kylian Mbappe, who missed many good chances in the second half, scored in the 68th minute. France scored the third goal of the match with Dembele’s assist. Giroud secured the second goal in the 71st minute.
First goal in 9th minute: A beautiful goal created by Matthew Lucky and Craig Goodwin of Australia. Lucky Low crossed the ball past defender Lucas Herhands and into the French goal to Goodwin. Craig Goodwin scored Australia’s first goal at the Qatar World Cup without making any mistakes.
France’s equalizer: When Australia shocked by taking an unexpected lead, France intensified their attacks. In the 27th minute, France player Antoine Griezmann’s corner was defended by Australia. French player Theo Hernandez brings the ball back into the box. Adrien Rabiat’s header went past the Australia goalkeeper and into the net.
Record, Giroud’s Goal: France took the lead in the match in the 32nd minute after scoring an equalizing goal five minutes later. Rabiat, who scored the first goal, cut back the ball and Oliver Giroud put it into the net without any pressure. With this, Giroud became the oldest European player to score a goal in the World Cup. The actor is currently 36 years old. In terms of age, Giroud surpassed Georges Bregi, who scored a goal for Switzerland in 1994.
Mbappe aims to: Even when veteran Giroud scored, youngster Mbappe missed many chances in the first and second half. In the 68th minute, Mbappe headed in Dembele’s cross to secure the first goal in Qatar.
Giroud’s second goal: Giroud’s second goal was scored in the 71st minute. Giroud’s goal was scored by heading Mbappe’s cross from the left wing. After scoring the fourth goal, France won the first World Cup. With the second goal in the match, Giroud also became the first among France’s goal scorers along with Thierry Henry.
English Summary: FIFA World Cup, France vs Australia Match Live Updates