Olivier Giroud scored his 51st goal for France against Australia on Tuesday in France’s Group D fixture against Australia. With this, he equaled Thierry Henry’s record for France and became the joint top goalscorer for Les Bleus. France won the match 4-1 with ease thanks to Giroud’s brace and one goal each by Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe.
Giroud started the match as France’s number nine after their first-choice striker Karim Benzema was ruled out of the tournament following an injury. A 9th-minute goal by the Socceroos’ Craig Godwin put the Aussies ahead but Adrien Rabiot equalised for France at the 27th-minute mark. Giroud then put France ahead with his first goal at the 32nd minute.
Mbappe increased the lead for France at the 68th minute and just four minutes later, Giroud scored the historic goal that made him France’s top goalscorer, with the legendary Henry.
One of the most underrated strikers in the world, Giroud made his debut for France in November 2011 against the USMNT and scored a goal. He was 25 years old at that time.
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His 51st goal for France comes in his 115th appearance in national colours, which is incidentally eight short of Henry’s. With several matches yet to be played, Giroud will most likely overtake Henry and become France’s all-time highest goalscorer.
France’s next match in Group D is against Denmark, who had to settle for a goalless draw against Tunisia on Tuesday. It will be played at Stadium 974, on Saturday, November 26.
Although the defending champions going in for a match is itself a headliner, all eyes will be on Giroud as he stands at the cusp of history.
