The evergreen Olivier Giroud may be under study by an A-lister in Qatar but he played a central role with ease as World Cup holders France swept Australia from one side to set a dangerous mark on their rivals.
Giroud’s original place in France coach Didier Deschamps’ plans was back-up to Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, only for the Real Madrid striker to miss the tournament with a thigh injury shortly after his arrival.
It pushed Giroud to center stage, which he is comfortable with after receiving the World Cup winners’ medal in Moscow four years ago when France beat Croatia 4-2.
And the 36-year-old once again used the platform to demonstrate his enduring quality with two goals, further proving that he is one of the most underrated strikers of his generation.
Giroud did it all alongside the brilliant Kylian Mbappe, who scored one, had a hand in two and played with a smile on his face that would shake France’s future opponents.
Mbappe is one of the game’s great global names and his World Cup debut was in stark contrast to that of another of that elite group, Lionel Messi, who suffered the embarrassment of being part of an Argentina side that lost all of the tournament. was a victim of one of the major shocks. When they lost to Saudi Arabia a few hours ago.
Australia briefly threatened another surprise when they took the lead but with Mbappe a tormentor from the first whistle and Giroud playing his role to perfection, it was never to last as 4- 1 The score line is confirmed.
Mbappe played a part in two of Giroud’s goals to move alongside Thierry Henry as France’s record scorer with 51 goals. He provided an audacious backheel to release Adrien Rabiot, who set up a simple finish for Giroud to make it 2-1.
And then he marked himself with a neat header for France’s third of this World Cup, before Giroud finished off a very impressive opening salvo from the reigning champions. Completely crossed.
Mbappe, 23, is understood to be the headline grabber after that blistering display, but Giroud has always been happy to be in the shadow of danger.
Giroud’s career speaks volumes for his quality, although he has often had to fight to get the credit he deserves. The true value of this intelligent striker has been recognized late in his playing career.
He won three FA Cups at Arsenal, adding another with Chelsea in 2018, when they beat the Gunners in the 2019 Europa League final, and played a key member of the squad that won the Champions League in 2021. The Champions League was won under then manager Thomas Tuchel. .
Giroud’s habit of collecting silverware took him to AC Milan, where he won the Serie A. Medals do the talking and he has his sights set on someone else in Qatar.
France go into the tournament stripped of key players but when the replacements have Giroud’s experience and track record, it is not surprising that Deschamps was so calm about the absences.
They are without Benzema, defender Priscilla Kampbe, midfield duo Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, as well as £70m RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nicco.
And despite their absence, it was a powerful statement of intent that France would not relinquish their crown as world champions easily.
It certainly didn’t matter here as Mbappe hit the groove straight away and the odd nervous moment at the back was compensated by a masterclass in attack, spearheaded by Giroud.
France fell short and their pride was hurt by their exit on penalties against Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2020. They are determined to make up for it in Qatar.
Mbappe will be the star name and he brushed aside all the recent fuss and speculation about his future at Paris Saint-Germain here.
He looked happy in his work as part of the France team who folded their arms to bow to their celebrating fans after the final whistle as the clock struck midnight in Qatar.
Giroud’s name was booed after his record-equalling goal, to the extent that he is fully lauded by his supporters who have traveled to Qatar with high expectations.
Good night holders. If the performances of Giroud and Mbappe are a measure of what is to come, it is a bad thing for them to be hoping to become world champions.
