Mbappe and Giroud star in the French victory. Host nation: Qatar Dates: 20 November to 18 December Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app . Day by Day TV Listings – Full coverage details
Defending champions France made a powerful statement of intent by beating Australia as Olivier Giroud equaled Thierry Henry’s goalscoring record for the national team.
France have lost a number of players in the build-up to the tournament, including key forward Karim Benzema, but made light of those setbacks with a thrilling attacking display after coming from behind.
Craig Goodwin gave the Socceroos an early lead when he tapped in at the far post after nine minutes, but they then fell victim to France’s firepower led by veteran Giroud and Kylian Mbappe.
Adrien Rabiot’s header drew France level in the 27th minute and Giroud then set up Giroud, replacing Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, who picked up a thigh injury in training, for a simple finish five minutes later after a brilliant backheel from Mbappe.
Mbappé was a threat throughout the game and grabbed his first goal of this World Cup when he headed home Ousmane Dembele’s cross in the 68th minute before turning the scorer three minutes later.
He delivered the perfect cross for Giroud to head home, equaling Henry’s record of 51 France goals in the process.
France leaves its mark
France suffered an early shock when they went behind but then turned on the class to dominate Australia with a display of attacking quality that sent an ominous signal to those looking to lift the crown.
Manager Didier Deschamps has not only lost striker Benzema, but also defender Presnel Kimpembe, midfielders N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, as well as striker Christopher Nkunku. France were also deprived of defender Lucas Hernandez after just nine minutes as he tried to defend Australia’s goal.
These are serious blows, but this also gave France a chance to show their strength in depth and it was in attack that they showed how devastating they can be.
At the heart of it all was Giroud, 36, who showed his enduring quality with two goals and a fine display. Of course, France will miss Benzema, but Giroud looked in no mood to make the most of his unexpected opportunity.
The AC Milan striker also took his place in the history books by equaling Henry’s record and now has the chance to eclipse him on the biggest stage of all.
Mbappe gave Australia’s defense nightmares with his pace, creation and threat. He fully deserved his goal and could have had more, especially when he volleyed an open goal in the first half.
France is already seen as a standout in Group D, which also includes Denmark and Tunisia. They will be tested harder but this was an ideal opening for the defenders.
Battle of Australia unsuccessful
Australia started brightly with Goodwin’s goal and had their moments later on, most notably when Jackson Irvine’s header hit the post, but they simply couldn’t cope with what France had to offer.
The Socceroos, as always, competed all the way and never stopped running and fighting, but better teams than this one will struggle to cope with the French forward when they play like this.
Australia still have a chance of progressing after the dull goalless draw between Denmark and Tunisia and history tells us they cannot be discounted, despite starting their world campaign with a defeat.
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alignments
France
Formation 4-2-3-1
1 Laurels
2Pavard24Konaté18Upamecano21Hernández
8Tchouameni14Rabiot
11 Dembele7Griezmann10Mbappé
9 Giroud
- 1 Laurels
- 2 Pavard Replaced by Koundeat 89 minutes
- 24 Celebrated
- 18 Upamecano
- 21Hernández Replaced by Hernándezat 13 minutes
- 8TchouaméniFofana substituted in the 77th minute
- 14 Rage
- 11Dembélé Substituted for Comanat 77 minutes
- 7 Griezmann
- 10 Mbappe
- 9Giroud Replaced by Thuramat in the 89th minute
Substitutes
- 3Dization
- 4 Varane
- 5Koundé
- 6 Guendouzi
- 12 Kolo Muani
- 13 Breathing
- 15 Veretout
- 16 Mandanda
- 17 Saliba
- 20 Command
- 22 Hernandez
- 23 Areola
- 25 Camavinga
- 26 Thuram
Australia
Formation 4-1-4-1
1 Ryan
3Atkinson19Souttar4Rowles16Behich
13 Moy
7Leckie22Irvine14McGree23Goodwin
15 Duke
- 1 Ryan
- 3Atkinson Replaced Degenekat in the 85th minute
- 19 Souttar
- 4 Rowles
- 16 There
- 13 MoyBooked 90 minutes
- 7 Leckie
- 22 IrvineBooked at 80 minutesReplaced by Baccusat in the 85th minute
- 14McGreeReplaced by Mabilat 73 minutes
- 23Goodwin Replaced by Kuolat in the 74th minute
- 15 DukeBooked 55 minutes awayReplaced by Cummings in the 56th minute
Substitutes
- 2 Foreigners
- 5 Karacic
- 6 Tilio
- 8 Wright
- 9 Maclaren
- 10 Hrústic
- 11 Mabil
- 12 Redmayne
- 17 Devlin
- 18 Vukovic
- 20 etc.
- 21 Great
- 24 King
- 25 Cummings
- 26 Bacchus
Referee: Victor Gomes
Attendance: 40,875
Live text
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End of match, France 4, Australia 1.
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End of second half, France 4, Australia 1.
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Foul by Kylian Mbappe (France).
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Milos Degenek (Australia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Aaron Mooy (Australia) has been shown the yellow card for dangerous play.
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Theo Hernández (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Aaron Mooy (Australia).
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Attempt missed. Theo Hernández (France) header from the left side of the center of the box is saved in the center of the box. Assisted by Antoine Griezmann with a cross in the area.
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Attempt missed. Ibrahima Konaté (France) header from the center of the box is saved in the center of the box. Assisted by Antoine Griezmann with a cross in the area.
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Change, France. Marcus Thuram replaces Olivier Giroud
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Change, France. Jules Koundé replaces Benjamin Pavard.
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Corner, France. Corner taken by Milos Degenek.
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Change, Australia. Milos Degenek replaces Nathaniel Atkinson
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Change, Australia. Keanu Baccus replaces Jackson Irvine.
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Theo Hernández (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Garang Kuol (Australia).
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Jackson Irvine (Australia) has been shown the yellow card for dangerous play.
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Dayot Upamecano (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Jackson Irvine (Australia).
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Foul by Olivier Giroud (France).
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