Qatar 2022: France kick off title defense with big win over Australia
Kylian Mbappe on Tuesday night scored a goal and provided another assist as France recorded a 4-1 victory over Australia in their opening game of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
>Despite a series of injuries suffered by key players in the run-up to the Mundial, defending champions France made a big statement with the win over the Australians.
Tuesday's outing was particularly memorable for Olivier Giroud who equaled Thierry Henry's all-time national team record with a brace.
Hoping to be only the second team in history after Brazil to successfully defend the World Cup title, the task has been made even more difficult for the Blues with the absence of a multitude of players in the preparation for the tournament.
This unfortunate list includes key striker Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N'golo Kante among others.
However, France managed to make light of those setbacks with a thrilling attacking display after surprisingly falling behind with an early goal in the first half.
It was Craig Goodwin who gave the Socceroos a shocking lead when he powered home a wide post after nine minutes.
This first goal proved to be the necessary tonic for France who then bombarded their opponents.
France's firepower led by veterans Giroud and Mbappe proved to be a handful for the Australians.
Adrien Rabiot's header put France level after 27 minutes.
Rabiot then turned provider as he set up Giroud for France's second goal five minutes later
The AC Milan striker replaces Ballon d'Or winner Benzema, who suffered a thigh injury in training.
Mbappe was quite lively and was always a threat throughout and scored his first goal of this World Cup when he headed in Ousmane Dembele's cross after 68 minutes before becoming a creator three minutes later.
He delivered the perfect cross for Giroud to head in, equaling Henry's record of 51 goals in France.
With the victory, France dictated the pace of Group D with the maximum three points from their first game.
They will face Denmark in their next game while Australia will have a tough game against Tunisia.
The Danes and the Carthage Eagles had a draw earlier, and the same scoreline was also recorded in the Poland-Mexico match.
Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty in the Group C game.
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Kylian Mbappe on Tuesday night scored a goal and provided another assist as France recorded a 4-1 victory over Australia in their opening game of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
>Despite a series of injuries suffered by key players in the run-up to the Mundial, defending champions France made a big statement with the win over the Australians.
Tuesday's outing was particularly memorable for Olivier Giroud who equaled Thierry Henry's all-time national team record with a brace.
Hoping to be only the second team in history after Brazil to successfully defend the World Cup title, the task has been made even more difficult for the Blues with the absence of a multitude of players in the preparation for the tournament.
This unfortunate list includes key striker Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N'golo Kante among others.
However, France managed to make light of those setbacks with a thrilling attacking display after surprisingly falling behind with an early goal in the first half.
It was Craig Goodwin who gave the Socceroos a shocking lead when he powered home a wide post after nine minutes.
This first goal proved to be the necessary tonic for France who then bombarded their opponents.
France's firepower led by veterans Giroud and Mbappe proved to be a handful for the Australians.
Adrien Rabiot's header put France level after 27 minutes.
Rabiot then turned provider as he set up Giroud for France's second goal five minutes later
The AC Milan striker replaces Ballon d'Or winner Benzema, who suffered a thigh injury in training.
Mbappe was quite lively and was always a threat throughout and scored his first goal of this World Cup when he headed in Ousmane Dembele's cross after 68 minutes before becoming a creator three minutes later.
He delivered the perfect cross for Giroud to head in, equaling Henry's record of 51 goals in France.
With the victory, France dictated the pace of Group D with the maximum three points from their first game.
They will face Denmark in their next game while Australia will have a tough game against Tunisia.
The Danes and the Carthage Eagles had a draw earlier, and the same scoreline was also recorded in the Poland-Mexico match.
Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty in the Group C game.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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