Match Recap: France vs Australia in the 2022 World Cup opener
Despite a heavy setback, the reigning champions showed resilience and returned to the field with renewed intent as they chased the title once more. The duel pitted France against Australia in Group D on the opening day of the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. The venue was the Al Janoub Stadium, a stage that carried the weight of expectations for the defending champions while presenting a hungry opponent who wanted to stun with a bold performance.
From the outset, the match promised a dynamic contest. Australia grabbed the lead in the first half, showcasing early aggression and a willingness to press high. France answered back with composure. By halftime, the French side had turned the tide and found themselves ahead at 2-1, thanks to strikes from Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud. The second half saw a swift surge from France as Kylian Mbappé extended the advantage, making it 3-1. Giroud then joined the history books by tying Thierry Henry as the all-time top scorer for Les Bleus, and France finished the encounter with a confident 4-1 victory.
This opening round of Group D became a defining moment for France as the tournament kicked off in Qatar, with questions about squad balance, form, and the ability to sustain pressure as the journey progressed. The result highlighted France’s depth and experience, while Australia showed fight and moments of high quality that suggested a different trajectory for their campaign ahead.
Qatar World Cup 2022 overview included fixtures, venues, formats, and the participating teams, setting the stage for a summer of intense international football and narrative-rich clashes.
GOALS, VIDEOS AND SUMMARY
The standout moments emerged as the best sequence of play unfolded between France and Australia in this Group D clash. The action delivered a blend of set-piece precision, quick transitions, and clinical finishing that underscored the high level of competition at the World Cup stage.
In the 71st minute, Olivier Giroud rose highest to convert a precise delivery with a powerful header. The finish marked him as the top scorer in French national team history, extending France’s lead and widening the gap in the scoreline with a well-timed strike from mid-air on a well-placed cross.
Earlier, at the 68th minute, Kylian Mbappé struck again, guiding a headed effort through a crowded box to put the French ahead by a wider margin. The goal showcased Mbappé’s ability to arrive late in the box and connect with decisive crosses, finishing with authority from close range.
Giroud continued to influence the match with a spectacular attempt that echoed his characteristic acrobatic style and his proficiency in finding space in the six-yard box after a pinpoint cross from the left. The sequence demonstrated France’s ongoing threat from wide areas and set plays, reinforcing their control in the second half.
France at times tested Australia with rapid interchanges and precise passing sequences that opened attacking lanes and created chances for additional goals. In the air and on the ground, the French team showed a mix of patient buildup and direct finishing that kept the scoreboard moving in their favor.
Australia did not surrender and created moments of danger, including a header that struck the post, signaling that the result could have swung in their direction with a touch more fortune. The early lead for Australia remained the catalyst for a disciplined French response, which culminated in a comprehensive victory as the clock ran down.
The match also featured notable contributions from midfield playmakers who threaded passes to unlock the Australian defensive lines and maintain France’s momentum. The home team capitalized on set-piece opportunities and quick counters, reflecting their experience on football’s biggest stage. The final whistle confirmed a 4-1 win for France, a result that set the tone for Group D and provided a clear message about the hosts’ intent and capability in this tournament.
STATISTICS
Source: Goal