Final score of France vs. Australia: Olivier Giroud scores twice Henry’s comeback win set a record

In their Group D opener at the Al Janoub Stadium, France came from behind to beat a determined Australia team. Olivier Giroud scored twice to tie Thierry Henry’s national record of 51 goals.

A bad injury France showed signs of weakness early on, and after nine minutes, they were already behind. Harry Souttar started the move with a great long pass to Mathew Leckie down the right side. Craig Goodwin got to the far post quickly after a low cross, and he shot high past Hugo Lloris.

Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off after he fell awkwardly while trying to tackle Leckie. His replacement, Theo Hernandez, was almost caught out right after he came on when Mitchell Duke picked up his errant pass and sent a shot just too high.

Hernandez had a better effect at the other end. In the 27th minute, he took control of the ball after the Socceroos didn’t clear a corner properly. He then sent a dangerous cross from the left side that Adrien Rabiot met with a powerful header that left Mat Ryan with no chance.

Five minutes later, Rabiot scored when he caught Kylian Mbappe’s clever flick, ran into the box, and set up Olivier Giroud to score his 50th international goal with a tap-in.

Mbappe somehow hit Antoine Griezmann’s cross over the goal as France tried to increase their lead before halftime. Jackson Irvine’s header hit the post as Australia came close to exposing their weak defense again.

In the second half, however, the Socceroos were unable to ask any more questions. Instead, two more goals in four minutes put an end to the game. First, the irresistible Mbappe rose to head in Ousmane Dembele’s cross after Griezmann’s shot was blocked. He then ran down the left side and crossed the ball for Giroud to score his record-tying goal and finish off a comfortable win.

At the 2022 World Cup, France played Australia. Sporting News kept track of the scores and highlights as they happened in real time. Read on to find out how the Group D match in Qatar turned out.

France vs. Australia final score

	1H	2H	Final
France	2	2	4
Australia	1	0	1

Goodwin scored the first goal (9 mins)
1-1: Rabiot (27 mins)
2-1: Giroud (32 mins)
3-1: Mbappe (68 mins)
4-1: Giroud (71 mins)

Lineups to start:

France (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Lloris (GK) – 2. Pavard, 24. Konaté, 18. Upamecano, 21. L. Hernandez – 8. Tchouaméni, 14. Rabiot – 11. Dembélé, 7. Griezmann, 10. Mbappé – 9. Giroud

Australia (4-1-4-1, from right to left): 1. Ryan (GK) – 3. Atkinson, 19. Souttar, 4. Rowles, 16. Behich – 13. Mooy – 23. Goodwin, 14. McGree, 22. Irvine, 7. Leckie – 15. Duke

France vs. Australia in the 2022 World Cup: Live updates and highlights FULL TIME: When it was all said and done, it was a comfortable win for the holders. They came back strong after being shocked by falling behind early on to start Group D in style. Olivier Giroud had a memorable night because he scored twice and tied Thierry Henry’s 51 goals for France. However, Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a virtuoso performance.

🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappe is our MOTM as defending #FIFAWorldCup holders France win 4-1 vs. Australia.

🔥 He had more touches in the box than fellow attackers Giroud, Griezmann and Dembele put together! pic.twitter.com/XI3pJNPNWd

— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) November 22, 2022

On Saturday, France will play Denmark, and Australia will play Tunisia.

Australia kept going, even though they were pretty tired, and Aaron Mooy was sent off for a late tackle that knocked Theo Hernandez down.

90 minutes: Mathew Ryan makes a great save by jumping quickly to his left and grabbing Ibrahima Konate’s close-range downward header.

Seven minutes will be added to the end of the game.

France has won the game, so Jules Kounde and Marcus Thuram are getting some late playing time. The players who are leaving are Benjamin Pavard and Olivier Giroud.

Australia, on the other hand, has lost (AUS only).

France have blitzed the Australian defence to make it 4-1, courtesy of Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud! 🇫🇷

Watch Australia v France at the #FIFAWorldCup from Qatar LIVE right now on @SBS and @SBSOnDemand! 🇦🇺

▶: https://t.co/ddF2fkkIvk#SBSWorldCup #WeAllSpeakFootball pic.twitter.com/7tVSxkvXsF

— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) November 22, 2022

Milos Degenek and Keanu Baccus replace Nathaniel Atkinson and Jackson Irvine with five minutes remaining. Atkinson will be relieved to see the back of Kylian Mbappe and Jackson Irvine.

Having been played in by Antoine Griezmann’s deft chipped pass over the top, Kylian Mbappe commits a rare error of control after 83 minutes. Even though the score is 4-1, Mbappe is furious with himself!

81 minutes remain, with Kylian Mbappe once again leading the charge down the left flank for France. Instead of taking the shot, he attempts to find Olivier Giroud at the far post, allowing Australia to escape with the ball.

Didier Deschamps also rests Aurelien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembele at 76 minutes, bringing on Youssouf Fofana and Kingsley Coman for the final 15 minutes or so.

Australia, who are now defeated, makes two substitutions after 74 minutes. Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil are introduced, with Kuol becoming the Socceroos’ youngest World Cup participant at 18 years and 68 days old.

GOAL! Olivier Giroud has equaled Thierry Henry’s French record of 51 goals with a trademark header at the far post. Kylian Mbappe is the architect, isolating Nathaniel Atkinson on the left and breaking past the fullback before setting up Olivier Giroud for an easy header with a cross.

A special moment for Olivier Giroud 🤩

He becomes France's joint-highest top scorer, alongside Thierry Henry ⚽🔝

🇫🇷 4-1 🇦🇺

💻🖥📱 Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the @BBCSport app#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/r5fvBerNCR

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 22, 2022

GOAL! After Antoine Griezmann has a shot cleared off the line and Kylian Mbappe sends a shot across the face of the goal in the 68th minute, Les Bleus’ pressure has finally paid off. Ousmane Dembele collects Mbappe’s wayward shot, creates space for the cross, and places the ball on the head of his strike partner, who nods the ball past Mat Ryan’s exposed position.

only in the United Kingdom

The boy wonder has his goal ⭐

Kylian Mbappe rises highest to extend France's lead.

🇫🇷 3-1 🇦🇺

💻🖥📱 Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the @BBCSport app#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 22, 2022

France appears to be biding their time as they move the ball around and look for an opening. Australia is attempting to maintain a narrow, compact formation and force France to defend crosses from the flanks.

Kye Rowles makes a crucial tackle in the 62nd minute, timing a sliding challenge on Kylian Mbappe as the France forward prepared to shoot inside the penalty area. A swift French maneuver appeared to have weakened the defense.

France’s pace has slowed in the last few minutes, while Australia appears to be attempting to stay in the game at the moment.

Excellent support for both teams within the stadium.

Toujours derrière l'Equipe 💙 pic.twitter.com/9MN5jgyZ5t

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 22, 2022

56 mins: This is Mitchell Duke’s last contribution of the evening; he is replaced by Jason Cummings in Australia’s first substitution.

Mitchell Duke overruns the ball after a good period of Australian possession and brings down Ousmane Dembele in an attempt to retrieve it, earning the evening’s first yellow card.

The second half has resumed where the first half left off, with France on the offensive. Theo Hernandez escapes down the left side and passes the ball to Aurelien Tchouameni, whose shot is blocked.

France recycles the ball, and Hernandez receives another opportunity to cross. This time, he finds Olivier Giroud, who attempts a bicycle kick at the far post but misses the target.

46 mins: Australia has begun the second half, and play has resumed. Will they be able to equalize the score? They’ve had their opportunities.

C'est la 𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 ⏸️
Grace à des buts d'Adrien Rabiot et Olivier Giroud, les Bleus ont inversé la tendance dans cette première période 👊

🇫🇷🇦🇺 | #FRAAUS | #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/maIywy5ktk

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 22, 2022

HALFTIME: At the conclusion of a tense first half, the defending champions have taken the lead, although they had to come from behind to do so, with Craig Goodwin giving the Socceroos an early advantage. Two goals in six minutes from Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud have turned the tide for France, but they have shown enough defensive vulnerability for Australia to believe they can still pull off an upset.

Observe how France assumed command (AUS only)

45+2 minutes: Australia is so close now! Riley McGree performs superbly down the left flank and lofts a cross back towards the fast-approaching Jackson Irvine, who heads it back the way it came; Hugo Lloris can only watch in relief as it clips his right post.

(Australia only)

Kylian Mbappe’s missed volley in the 45th minute, when it appeared easier to score, is a collector’s item! Antoine Griezmann breaks free down the right flank and finds a teammate, but the PSG forward squanders a golden opportunity to score.

Here we are in the first minute of six minutes of stoppage time.

Australia has to dig deep to stay in this game for 43 minutes. Again, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann link up effectively, but this time the Atletico Madrid forward misses the target with his shot.

Olivier Giroud had never scored in his previous 12 World Cup appearances, but he did so in the 42nd minute this evening. Look at how he did it (UK only)

40 minutes in, Kylian Mbappe is absolutely tearing Australia to shreds, sprinting again down the right flank. His pass across the penalty area is intercepted by Ousmane Dembele, though Benjamin Pavard could have been better placed behind him.

After an initial scare, the holders appear to be beginning to enjoy themselves after 35 minutes of play. Olivier Giroud shoots over after a great run by Ousmane Dembele as Australia struggles to get a touch on the ball amidst a flurry of passes.

This goal brought them back to parity (UK only)

GOAL! France are now shifting gears, and Olivier Giroud has scored 50 goals for his country in 32 minutes. Adrien Rabiot becomes the provider, latching onto Kylian Mbappe’s exquisite flick and bursting into the penalty area before selflessly crossing for Olivier Giroud to score. Effortlessly straightforward from the holders, who have flipped it.

Australia is unable to get either the ball or out of their own penalty area after 29 minutes. This time, Antoine Griezmann provides the delivery, with Olivier Giroud getting on the end of his left-wing cross but heading wide; however, the flag was already up.

GOAL! France are back on terms after having Australia pinned back for the past 27 minutes; they are now back on terms. The Socceroos fail to properly clear a corner kick, and Theo Hernandez whips in a left-footed cross that Adrien Rabiot meets with a thunderous header that gives Mat Ryan no chance. All square again!

Mitchell Duke pounces on Theo Hernandez’s errant pass after France’s sloppy play results in a 22-minute free kick. The striker unleashes a shot from just outside the penalty area, and it just clears Hugo Lloris’s crossbar.

20 minutes: France is seeing a lot of the ball as they attempt to tie the game, but Australia is working hard on defense and closing space quickly.

16 minutes: France is relying heavily on Kylian Mbappe to respond to their early setback, but they are currently looking a bit ragged and are struggling to put much together.

And this is the goal that has put the holders in a disadvantaged position (UK only)12 minutes: Lucas Hernandez fell awkwardly while battling Mathew Leckie in the buildup to that goal, causing France to experience additional difficulty. The Bayern Munich left-back appears to be in severe pain, and his brother Theo will replace him. An additional injury for Didier Deschamps.

GOAL! 9 minutes: We’ve made an early breakthrough, and Australia has it! Harry Souttar initiates the play with a brilliant pass from the back to Mathew Leckie on the right flank. Craig Goodwin arrives quickly at the far post after receiving the low cross, and he shoots high past Hugo Lloris.

Kylian Mbappe has his first opportunity to stretch his legs after 5 minutes, skipping past Nathaniel Atkinson as if he were not there. The French striker is eventually crowded out as he bursts into the area, but this should serve as an early warning to Australia: they cannot afford to leave Mbappe one-on-one.

Australia now has its first sight of the goal, with a pass to Riley McGree about 25 meters from the net. The defense opens up for the Middlesbrough player, but he sends his shot well wide.

Kylian Mbappe has already had a chance to test the Australian defense down the left flank, which is hardly a surprise given that France has dominated possession thus far. Ousmane Dembele’s shot from the resulting corner is charged down.

Olivier Giroud, who is only two goals away from equaling France’s all-time goal record, kicks off the match after the pre-match formalities have been completed.

The teams emerge from the tunnel to a standing ovation with three minutes remaining until kickoff, and we’re almost ready to begin. First, however, the anthems.

5 minutes until kickoff: This is Australia’s sixth World Cup appearance and fifth in a row, but they have never advanced from their group, reaching the round of 16 in Germany in 2006. In each of the last two tournaments, they have failed to win a match, losing five of their six contests.

In fact, the Socceroos have only won two of their 16 World Cup finals matches, while suffering ten losses and keeping only one clean sheet.

10 minutes prior to kickoff, France are also in decent shape. Since Brazil in 1962, no team has successfully defended the World Cup. France’s sole previous attempt to do so ended in 2002, when they were eliminated in the group stage without winning a game or scoring a goal. Ouch.

15 mins from kickoff: The anticipation for this Group D match is quickly building, and it’s safe to say that Australia are looking quite sharp in their final warmup…

25 minutes prior to kickoff, it would be easy to focus on the France players who aren’t here tonight, as some absolutely massive names are missing from this tournament. However, Didier Deschamps remains calm in the midst of the storm.

“There is no trepidation. We have exhausted every option,” said the France coach. “There is no anxiety, everyone is calm, and there are clear-headed individuals.

“You think I can simply snap my fingers and someone will announce, ‘OK, I’ll be a leader, I’ll give pep talks, and I’ll lead the squad to victory?’ No, this is something that develops over time.”

In the absence of Karim Benzema, much will rest on Antoine Griezmann’s shoulders this evening at the Al Janoub Stadium, where the players have been out scouting the field.

Kye Rowles and Harry Souttar both start for Australia’s central defense despite missing significant portions of the season due to injury.

Due to his knee injury, Martin Boyle had to be withdrawn from the squad, so Craig Goodwin will start on the right side of midfield.

Graham Arnold has chosen a five-man midfield, leaving Mitchell Duke alone up front.

N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, France’s starting midfielders, are absent from the tournament due to long-term injuries since the summer. Instead, Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni start in midfield.

Didier Deschamps is also shorthanded in central defense, with Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate starting, Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde only fit for the bench, and Presnel Kimpembe ruled out of the tournament entirely.

Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the finals due to a thigh injury. As a result, Olivier Giroud starts up front, with Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, and the unrivaled Kylian Mbappe playing just behind him.

1 hour before kickoff: With 60 minutes remaining until the champions begin their season, the latest team news has been released.

1 hour and 15 minutes before kickoff: France has arrived at the stadium, and the defending champions appear determined for this match. Team announcements are imminent.

France won 2-1 in Kazan four years ago, with Antoine Griezmann and Mile Jedinak exchanging second-half penalty kicks before an own goal from Australia’s Aziz Behich decided the match.

France ultimately finished first in Group C with seven points, two more than runner-up Denmark, while Australia finished fourth with just one point from their three games.

1 hour and 45 minutes prior to kickoff, this is the view inside the Al Wakrah stadium prior to the game. The stadium is in fantastic condition!

Two hours before kickoff, this is the scene inside the French locker room tonight. The presence of Antoine Griezmann’s No. 7 jersey raises the possibility that he will lead the line and replace Karim Benzema tonight.

It’s an early start for Australians watching from Down Under, as the game begins at 6am local time 2 hours and 45 minutes before kickoff. Here is a message from a few Australia legends to get their fans (and, hopefully, the players!) in the spirit.

3.45 hours after kickoff: As for Australia, there are few more difficult opening opponents than the reigning World Cup champions. In an effort to build confidence, however, Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has prohibited his players from using defeatist language.

“I have banned the words ‘fatigued’ and ‘in pain,'” Arnold disclosed in his pre-match press conference.

“Since this is the World Cup, there is no such thing as being tired after a game, fatigued, or experiencing a bit of pain and stiffness; recover quickly and move on.

“I’m not trying to be disrespectful in any way, but I’ve barely mentioned France and players’ names,” the Socceroos manager added.

“The players know who they are, but it’s important to identify their strengths because it’s one versus one. It is our responsibility to demonstrate who we are as a nation.

“The players have the stage, it’s their stage, and this opportunity can change your life even more than it has changed theirs.”

4.30 hours after kickoff: The absence of Benzema, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2022, is, of course, the most notable absence and a major talking point for today’s match.

He was ruled out after suffering a thigh injury in France training, and Deschamps has surprisingly decided not to call up a replacement.

“I have 25 players on my team. Regarding his decision, Deschamps said, “I am confident that I have the optimal number of players to meet the challenges we face.”

“In previous tournaments, we had 22 and 23 players. Now the year is 26 and we are 25. There are numerous options and many players on the bench, so I believe we have everything we need.”

4.30 hours after kickoff: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News’ coverage of France versus Australia in real-time!

The news that Karim Benzema will not play has improved Australia’s chances; now they only have to worry about Kylian Mbappe, Oussama Dembele, and Antoine Griezmann, among others. It will be a difficult first test for the Socceroos.

Lineups for France vs. Australia; team news
N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, France’s starting midfielders, are absent from the tournament due to long-term injuries. As a result, Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni start in midfield.

Didier Deschamps is also shorthanded in central defense, with Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate starting, Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde only fit for the bench, and Presnel Kimpembe ruled out of the tournament entirely.

Due to a thigh injury, Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the finals, so Olivier Giroud starts up front with Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, and Kylian Mbappe just behind him.

France (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Lloris (GK) – 2. Pavard, 24. Konaté, 18. Upamecano, 21. L. Hernandez – 8. Tchouaméni, 14. Rabiot – 11. Dembélé, 7. Griezmann, 10. Mbappé – 9. Giroud

Kye Rowles and Harry Souttar both start for Australia despite missing significant portions of the season due to injury.

Due to his knee injury, Martin Boyle had to be withdrawn from the squad, so Craig Goodwin will start on the right side of midfield.

Graham Arnold has chosen a five-man midfield, leaving Mitchell Duke alone up front.

4. Rowles, 16. Behich – 13. Mooy – 23. Goodwin, 14. McGree, 22. Irvine, 7. Leckie – 15. Duke. Australia (4-1-4-1, right to left): 1. Ryan (GK) – 3. Atkinson, 19. Souttar, 4. Rowles, 16. Behich – 13. Mooy – 23. Goodwin, 14. McGree, 22. Irvine, 7. Leckie – 15. Duke.

France vs. Australia live stream, TV channel

	Date	Time	TV Channel	Streaming
USA	Tuesday, Nov. 22	14:00 EST	FOX, Telemundo	fuboTV, Fox Sports site/app, Telemundo Deportes site/app, Peacock
Canada	Tuesday, Nov. 22	14:00 EST	CTV, TSN, RDS (French)	CTV site/app, TSN site/app
UK	Tuesday, Nov. 22	19:00 GMT	BBC	BBC iPlayer, BBC website
Australia	Wed, Nov. 23	06:00 AEDT	SBS	SBS On Demand
India	Wednesday, Nov. 23	00:30 IST	Sports18	Voot, JioTV
Hong Kong	Wed, Nov. 23	03:00 HKT	Now TV (Ch. 616, 618)	Now TV
Malaysia	Wed, Nov. 23	03:00 MYT	Astro	Astro GO
Singapore	Wed, Nov. 23	03:00 SGT	StarHub (Ch. 251/252), Singtel TV	Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV+, MeWatch
New Zealand	Wed, Nov. 23	08:00 NZDT	Sky Sport 7 beIN Sports	Sky Go, Sky Sport NOW