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 (Messi pen, 10)
10 mins: Lionel Messi sends the keeper the wrong way - and Argentina lead!
The captain waits for Alowais to move to his left before sending the ball in the opposite direction!
A dream start for Argentina! VAR involved from the off too - a clear penalty... but where’s the consistency?
Argentina 0-0 Saudi Arabia
9 mins: PENALTY!
It’s Ali Albulayhi with the foul, with a pull on Argentina’s Leandro Paredes - it’s quite clear and it’s an early penalty! Similar to the one not given with Harry Maguire yesterday though...
Lionel Messi is over it...
Argentina 0-0 Saudi Arabia
8 mins: VAR involved before the free-kick is even taken!
It’s looking like a foul from the corner...
Argentina 0-0 Saudi Arabia
7 mins: Saudi clear their lines - via a punch from Alowais - but Argentina win another free-kick by the touchline after a needless foul on midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
Lionel Messi over it...
Argentina 0-0 Saudi Arabia
5 mins: Tell you what - it’s feisty early on!
A few tackles flying in as both teams tussle for the ball - Argentina now have the first corner of the game...
Argentina 0-0 Saudi Arabia
2 mins: Wow - it didn’t take long for Lionel Messi to be involved, it’s a huge chance!
It’s scrappy - but the ball breaks to the Argentina captain in the box and he strokes the ball towards the corner... but it’s well-saved with a strong right hand from Saudi keeper Mohammed Alowais
It could well be a long day for the Saudi keeper - but an impressive first involvement!
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia: Kick-off!
We’re underway at the 80,000-seater Lusail Iconic Stadium!
Argentina in their usual blue and white strip, with Saudi Arabia in green!
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia: We’re moments from kick-off!
A reminder of the teams!
Argentina:
Emeliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Alejandro Gomez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Lionel Messi (c), Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria.
Saudi Arabia:
Mohamed Al-Owais, Ali Al-Bulaihi, Yasser Al-Shahrani, Mohamed Kanno, Saud Abdulhamid, Abdulelah Al-Malki, Saleh Al-Shehri, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Salman Al-Faraj(c), Salem Al-Dawsari, Firas Al-Buraikan.
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia: The teams are out!
The Lusail Iconic Stadium is the scene for this opening game in Group C between Argentina and Saudi Arabia!
This stadium will host the final in just under four weeks’ time - will Lionel Messi be there?!
The journey starts here. National anthems coming right up!
Argentina vs Saudi Arabia: Pundits thoughts!
Graeme Souness, speaking on ITV;
“This is the strongest team he’s played with in a World Cup. It’s such a special event, you’ve got to expect he’ll turn up. He’s arguably the greatest player ever, Ronaldo is a little bit behind him. They’ve done it for such a long time. I’m so looking forward to seeing this guy play. Such a unique talent. He gets me off the seat like no other player in world football.
Joe Cole:
“He just floats and plays on instinct. Outstanding. He is one of the strongest players. Coupled with his technical ability and mentality, he is the perfect footballer.”
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