NEW DELHI: Record-setter Olivier Giroud scored twice to help defending champions France start their title defence with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Wednesday. At 36 years and 53 days, first Giroud became the oldest French player to play in the FIFA World Cup and made it a memorable one by joining legendary Thierry Henry as the country's joint record scorer with 51 goals.
France though had to come back from a goal down to register the win in their opening game, after Craig Goodwin gave Australian an early lead in the ninth minute. Giroud found the net before and after the break, either side of a Kylian Mbappe goal after Adrien Rabiot had levelled following Goodwin's shock early opener.
