France vs Australia LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest score and updates after Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud goals
France 4-1 Australia: Craig Goodwin’s early goal sparked a reaction from the defending champions as Adrien Rabiot, Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe goals turned the match around
Australia gave France an early scare before the defending World Cup champions turned on the style in a 4-1 win in their Group D opener.
Craig Goodwin gave the Socceroos a shock lead after just nine minutes with a composed finish at the back post and France looked out of sorts in the early stages.
But Adrien Rabiot’s header pulled France level before Olivier Giroud scored a second within five minutes as the 2018 World Cup winners turned the match around.
Kylian Mbappe got off the mark for the World Cup in the second half from Ousmane Dembele’s cross, before Giroud scored his second to level Thierry Henry as France’s record scorer with his 51st international goal.
It leaves France top of Group D after Denmark and Tunisia shared the points in a goalless draw earlier in the day. Follow all the reaction from Al-Janoub Stadium with our live blog below.
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
48 mins: Di Maria offside early on.
How about this for a stat: Argentina were caught offside seven times in the first half - more than any side in a match at the 2018 World Cup!
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
45 mins: We’re back underway with the second-half!
No changes at the break but Saudi of course had that substitution in the first-half...
Can the underdogs possibly find a goal in this second-half?
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia: Pundit quotes!
Graeme Souness, speaking to ITV:
“They seem quite intent to not control the ball which is surprising agains a team like Saudi Arabia. You have to give some credit to Saudi with their physical approach to Argentina. I think Argentina have another gear to go.”
Roy Keane:
“Argentina really not quite at it. Saudi have done OK - when they do get set-pieces, the delivery has to be better. They’re in the game - but expect more from Argentina.”
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
HALF-TIME: Argentina lead at the break courtesy of that Lionel Messi penalty!
And while Argentina have had two goals ruled out - one dubiously for a perilously close offside - Saudi have held their own here and are still well in the game!
It’s not done for Argentina yet. One of the tournament favourites still have work to do...
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
45+4 mins: Turns out Saudi captain Salman Al-Faraj is not fit to continue - he looks understandbly gutted as he trudges off, looks like an ankle/foot problem.
Nawaf Albaid takes his place. Salem Aldawsari takes over as captain...
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
45+2 mins: Di Maria is found beautifully in the box but the Juventus winger can only find Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais...
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
45 mins: Five minutes of added time at the end of the first-half here...
Rodrigo de Paul broke into the box and was looking for Messi - but it’s well intercepted!
Saudi Arabia will be satisfied if they can hold it to 1-0 at the break...
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
43 mins: Saudi head the ball out straight to Rodrigo de Paul on the edge of the box... but he completely miscues and skies his effort into the stands!
Good chance that!
Argentina 1-0 Saudi Arabia
42 mins: Gomez wins another free-kick for Argentina on the left-hand side, with Lionel Messi over the ball again...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments