If earlier results were anything to go by prior to the start of the game after Argentina’s shock loss to Saudi Arabia, perhaps a victory was not guaranteed for Diedier Deschamps men who had to labor for it after coming from a goal down to beat Australia 4-1.
The victory meant France became the first reigning champions to win their opening World Cup game since Brazil in 2006 and to do so with such an enormous scoreline.
In the late stages of the game, Deschamps substituted Olivier Giroud after the AC Millan striker scored a brace and the French gaffer wasted no time during his post-match press conference in justifying his decision after being questioned whether he underrated the player.
The gaffer responded, “Would you like to take my place and be the coach?
“Olivier Giroud did what he does best, he scored goals. You have to manage a lot of things as a coach,” he said. “We have another match in four days and we’d already scored four goals, so sometimes it’s good to give someone else a chance and give him a rest.”
Deschamps also applauded Giroud describing him as an effective player in their win over the Australians.
“You tend to talk about records a lot, he tends to focus on what he does on the pitch. He was very effective tonight, which is great for him, he’s useful with the way he links up with the other attackers in our team.”
Giroud’s brace took extended his goal tally for France level with legend Henry to be the all-time top scorer for their country but he achieved the feat with nine fewer appearances than the former Arsenal star.
Reacting to his achievement, the AC Millan striker said: “It means a lot to be next to Thierry Henry on the national team top scorer sheet,” Giroud said. “It is unbelievable and we couldn’t hope for a better start at the World Cup. I play football until my body allows me. I’m a competitor and I’m very passionate and still very hungry. As long as I feel good, I will do my best for the team to reach our target and tonight I feel very good. Like some friends said ‘like fine wine’.”
France are currently above Tunisia and Denmark and they will face the latter on Saturday.
