The Latest Breaking News from Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud joined Thierry Henry as France’s leading goalscorer of all-time as the defending champions opened their latest World Cup title defence with a confident 4-1 comeback win over Australia in Group D.

The 18-year-old made his first World Cup appearance in Australia's 4-1 loss to France, becoming the ninth youngest player in World Cup history

France are overwhelming favourites in their opening clash against relative minnows Australia, especially given the presence of the mighty Kylian Mbappé. But Les Bleus fans can be forgiven a few jitters – as a range of injuries afflicts the squad and the curse of World Cup title-holders looms large.

France have a squad bursting with quality but recent performances suggest Didier Deschamps is still trying to find the right formula between youthful promise and World Cup-winning experience

The PSG forward leads a weaker Les Bleus side than the one that lifted the trophy four years ago

Neither of Les Bleus’ two World Cup triumphs contained a goal from their main striker at the time

Everything you need to know as the reigning champions start their title defence in Group D

Les Bleus’ hopes of emulating Brazil may rest on their superstar forward avoiding a repeat of Pelé’s fate in 1962

Even without the injured Karim Benzema, defending World Cup champion France has plenty of attacking power. Most teams would love to have either Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann or Olivier Giroud in their forward line, let alone all three. They have 119 international goals between them, plus an abundance of speed,…