France VS Australia – WC Match #8

The second group D match was between the defending champions France and Australia. The first match of the group between Denmark and Tunisia ended in a 0-0 draw. The match was played at Al Janoub Stadium. The defending champions started the world cup with an exceptional victory. Australia scored early and everybody was ready for another shocking result but France kept their cool and seal the victory. 

Defending Champions Curse

We have seen in the last three world cups, the defending champions are getting knocked out in the group stage. But let’s see what happens in this one. They will look to qualify and break the curse. By the looks of it, France is pretty confident it to make it to the round of 16 or maybe win the whole competition. 

Australia started really well. They tried to keep possession and create something. They did create a goal when Goodwin take France off guard and scored the earliest goal in this world cup till now. Leckie takes down the amazing crossfield pass of Souttar and low-crossed the ball toward Goodwin. Goodwin was able to beat Tottenham Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. With this lead Australia looked to seal the deal by defending but as the best way to defend is to attack so they failed and in reply, France scored 4 times. 

France’s Redemption

After the Australian goal, it was all about France. They dominated the whole match and end Australia’s misery after scoring 4 goals. Australia defended the corner but only for Theo Hernandez to swing the ball back in to box for Rabiot to plant the header and beat Ryan. Five minutes after the equalizer Giroud gave France the lead by scoring an easy goal assisted by Rabiot. In the second half, France extended their lead as Dembele crossed the ball toward the PSG star man Mbappe, and he heads it into the net. Two minutes after that Giroud came back to haunt Australia and scored his second goal. Giroud converted the cross of Mbappe into the net. France won all the points and sits at the top of the table of Group D.

Man of the Match

Our man of the match was Oliver Giroud with his brilliant brace against Australia. He tied Thierry Henry’s record for most goals scored for his nation today. He will look to break this record surely if he keeps playing like that.

France is the first defending champions to win the opening game of the world cup since brazil in 2006. France has won five consecutive games at the world cup. Australia on the other hand has lost 11 of their last 17 games at the world cup.