The defending champions France survived an early shock to open their title defence with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Australia at Al Janoub Stadium.
First victory!👌
Les Bleus start the defence of their World Cup crown in the most wonderful manner 🔥
🇫🇷4-1🇦🇺 | #FRAAUS | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/EyYuuJvcXe
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) November 22, 2022
Olivier Giroud grabbed his 50th and 51st international goals to move alongside Thierry Henry at the top of France’s all-time scoring list, while Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe each contributed a goal and assist.
Kylian Mbappé became the youngest player to reach five World Cup goals for France (23y 337d), while he’s now netted 12 goals in his last 11 appearances for Les Bleus across all competitions.
Adrien Rabiot is the first France player to both score and assist a goal on his World Cup debut since Christophe Dugarry against South Africa in June 1998.
Few could have foreseen such a comfortable night for the reigning champions when the Socceroos snatched a shock eighth-minute lead. Craig Goodwin’s expertly converted strike was the earliest goal scored against the French at a World Cup since Bryan Robson’s famous 27-second effort in 1982, and had some wondering if Argentina’s stunning loss to Saudi Arabia might not be the only shock of the day.
Next up: France-Denmark and Tunisia-Australia on 26 November.
Bengali