Australia turned out to be the dream preparations for reigning champions France. After Goodwin’s quick opening goal, a new sensation seemed to be in the making. But the Australians seemed unable to match the speed and attacking power of the French.
France – Australia in a nutshell
- man of the match We Belgians may not want to see it, but there was no action on Kylian Mbappe today. Before the first half (no goals) and after the break (a goal and an assist), the winger swept the Australian defense with its speed and dangerous combinations.
- Key moment: The French not wanting to let the lopsided situation go on for more than half an hour, Giraud and Rabiot turn the whole situation around in five minutes. Australians would still like to do it, but against such a large class difference, there is not much to do.
- Statistics (1): Giroud scored two goals against Australia and shares the top French scorers with Thierry Henry.
- Statistics (2): The defending champions have lost their opening match in the past three World Cups. France will not be deceived and interrupted by this trend.
Australia surprised but punished
The past four world champions stumbled in the first round and France seemed to be repeating that for a moment today. Leakey found his neighbor Goodwin with a great cross, who also beat Loris.
During this attack, France also lost Lucas Hernandez, most likely due to a cruciate ligament injury, so Deschamps had enough reason to worry. Duke almost shot 0-2 from 20 metres.
Fifteen minutes later, the French engine started. Rabiot held on after a corner kick and the Australian defense lost sight of a Theo Hernandez cross. He could hardly get close Miss, 1-1.
Five minutes later, France took full control. Australia wanted to play football very well, and lost the ball, after which Mbappe pushed the skin on Giroud. He actually missed his shot, but he made the net shake.
France had chances to increase the distance with Mbappe, Giroud and Dembele, among others, but also saw Irvine header the post on the other side before half-time.
Again five minutes
After the break, France continued to dominate. Five minutes later, Giroud showed off his fine goal-scoring skill. The little cross turned out to be the perfect opportunity to kick a bike, which went wide.
The smooth combinations ended in blocked chances for Mbappe, but they didn’t last. In the 68th minute it only ended with threats, as a shot was deflected on the line, but Dembele then “bananas” it to Mbappe, who headed it across the right side of the post.
Barely three minutes later, he became the declared finisher, and it was Giroud who managed to head the ball home from Mbappe, after a double acceleration from the goal.
Demon speed.
The match was played, but even then Matthew Ryan, who was under blue-black ribbon, had to prevent worse. Konate headed well, but Ryan quickly shot 5-1 from his own goal.
Four of the past five world champions have not yet qualified for the group stage. And with this victory, France is already taking a big step to avoid this fate.
Watch the four French goals:
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Goalkeeper Ryan shoots 5-1 wide
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Acceleration from Mbappe and the second goal from Giro: 4-1
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