World Cup 2022: Giroud, Mbappe Rabiot On Target As France Thrash Australia

Olivier Giroud netted twice to become France's joint record scorer as they fought back to defeat Australia in their opening World Cup defence with a 4-1 Group D win on Tuesday.

When Australia took the lead with just 9 minutes on the watch through a superb finish by Craig Goodwin at the Al Janoub Stadium there were already talks about the holder's curse.

But a towering header by Adrien Rabiot in the 27th minute restored parity for France and silenced the holder's curse talks.

The reigning champs are up and running ?@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 22, 2022

Then Rabiot turned provider in the 32nd minute to give Giroud a tap-in and move to 1 goal behind France's leading goalscorer Thierry Henry.

Kylian Mbappe's glancing header in the 68th minute was followed by Giroud's 51st international goal three minutes later, drawing him level with Thierry Henry as France's all-time top marksman.

France's two greatest goalscorers ??

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 22, 2022

Didier Deschamps' side, who lead the Group D after rivals Denmark and Tunisia drew 0-0 earlier on Tuesday, ended a run of poor starts for World Cup holders, after the previous three – Italy, Spain and Germany – all failed to win their openers.