France begins title defense with win

France began the defense of its world title in Russia 2018 with a 4-1 win over Australia and, in addition to dispelling doubts about its performance in recent months, it showed offensive potential despite the blow caused by the loss at the last minute. by Karim Benzema.

Olivier Giroud, with a double, equaled Thierry Henry’s historical record scorer of ‘bleus’ (51 goals) at the age of 36, while Kylian Mbappé provided an assist and scored after a pass from Barca’s Ousmane Démbélé .

The night ended well but France, battered ahead of the World Cup by the loss of Benzema, Nkunku, Kimpembe, Pogba and Kanté, suffered a double setback as soon as the game started with an Australian goal and an injury to Lucas Hernández in the same game.

‘Aussie’ goal and injury to Lucas

In the 9th minute, Mathew Leckie controlled a long ball down the right wing and, after speeding up a Lucas Hernández who was left lying on the grass, his low cross towards the far post was finished to the delight of Craig Goodwin. The French winger accidentally injured his right knee when trying to cut off the advance and was replaced by his brother Theo.

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France, guarded by Dembélé, Giroud and Mbappé up front with Griezmann as a link, dominated from the start but could not find the formula to overcome an Australia solid at the back who needed very little to unleash its direct football.

From a possible 0-2 to a draw

To show a button and, on 21′, Mitchell Duke took advantage of an error by Adrien Rabiot to unleash a shot from outside the area that left the ‘bleus’ frozen as they narrowly missed the goal.

But an early Australian defensive mismatch gave France a chance to tie the knot and avoid greater fouls. After a corner was denied, Theo Hernández put in a cross that Rabiot headed in without appeal (26′). The Juventus midfielder is living an idyll with goals after scoring three in Serie A and two in the Champions League with Juventus.

Rabiot, main goal and assist

The goal certainly unraveled France, who soon made it 2-1. This time Rabiot pressed and stole the ball from full-back Nathaniel Atkinson, Mbappé shot him with his heel and the midfielder put it on a tray for Olivier Giroud.

Finally the game of the world champions flowed, driven by the omnipresent Theo, Mbappé began to lose his balance on the left, overflowing with speed and quality, although he made it 3-1 in the ‘9’ position when the his volley in the small area. after the golden pass given to him by Griezmann.

Post before the ‘bleu’ recital

Before the break, however, Australia warned that the game was not over and went into the dressing room with Jackson Irvine’s header on the post.

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France did not dwell on the result and in the second half it was clearly superior. Giroud stroked the record with a spectacular Chilean kick that was just short of him (49′). Aziz Behich avoided Griezmann’s 3-1 on the line after a combination between Mbappé and Theo, but Australia’s fightback ended on the next play a minute later (68′).

Dembélé signed up for Giroud’s party

Dembélé signed up for the festival by placing a measured center from the right headed by Mbappé between the ‘Aussie’ defense (68′) and the PSG star switched roles by helping from on the other wing so that Giroud, with his header, finally equaled Henry’s record (70′).

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In the deciding game, the veteran Milan forward had his special tribute when he was replaced by Didier Deschamps. France started with a double scare but left the Al-Wakrah stadium with a smile after days of constant shock

FRANCE

41

Australia

you cried; Pavard (Koundé, m.89), Konaté, Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez (Théo Hernandez, m.13); Tchouaméni (Fofana, m.77), Rabiot; Griezmann; Ousmane Dembelé (Coman, m.77), Giroud (Thuram, m.89), Mbappé.
Australia: Ryan; Atkinson (Dagenek, m.85), Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Mooy; Leckie, Irvine (Baccus, m.85), McGreen (Mabil, m.73), Goodwin (Koul, m.74); Duke (Cummings, d.56)

Goals: 0-1, m.9: Goodwin; 1-1, m.27: Rabiot; 2-1, m.32: Giroud; 3-1, m.68: Mbappé; 4-1, m.71: Giroud

Referee: Victor Gomes (South Africa). He advised Australians Duke (55′), Irvine (80′) and Mooy (95′)

Incidents: The World Cup group D match in Qatar was played at the Al Janoub stadium in Al Wakrah before around 40,000 spectators.

see the match sheet