Olivier Giroud equaled Thierry Henry’s all-time record for France at the 2022 World Cup.
The AC Milan striker was two goals behind the Arsenal legend, who scored 51 goals in 14 years for the national side. Giroud didn’t score at all at the 2018 World Cup when he lifted the trophy as Les Bleus’ focal point – but benefited, in part, from Karim Benzema’s long exodus from the 2014 national team to 2020.
Even more notable for Giroud’s permanent hairstyle, he made his senior international debut at the age of 25. Compare that to Titi, who was his country’s top scorer at home to France ’98, aged just 20.
A special moment for Olivier Giroud 🤩 He becomes co-top scorer in France, alongside Thierry Henry ⚽🔝🇫🇷 4-1 🇦🇺💻🖥📱 Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the app @ BBCSport#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/r5fvBerNCRNovember 22, 2022
France first made one in Australia too, when Craig Goodwin, who has only been capped 10 times by the Socceroos, wasted no time in capitalizing on the starters’ injury problems to score a superb first goal.
More misfortune followed for head coach Didier Deschamps, as Lucas Hernandez hit the deck despite not connecting with an opponent, appearing to have twisted his knee. Bayern Munich star Hernandez has been replaced by his brother Theo, who plays for AC Milan, in an early switch. The injury will be a blow to Deschamps, who is already missing a number of key stars.
The advance did not last long, however. Adrian Rabiot brought the French back into the game before Olivier Giroud put them ahead before half-time. Kylian Mbappe laughed as he missed from seven yards to score the holders’ third before Giroud scored his 51st goal in that infamous blue.
Thierry Henry is himself at the World Cup, continuing his coaching journey in the Belgian team. The Red Devils – who had to remove the word “love” from their shirts – will face Canada tomorrow.
