Fantastic France hit four as trophy defence gets under way in fine fettle

Olivier Giroud equalled France’s all-time goalscoring record as his team begin their World Cup defence with a comfortable victory.

France were stunned as Craig Goodwin opened the scoring on nine minutes before rallying to record a 4-1 win.

Adrien Rabiot levelled before setting up Giroud for his 50th France goal, Kylian Mbappe heading in the third before Giroud struck again to level Thierry Henry’s record.

Even with Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe, Christopher Nkunku and Paul Pogba all missing the finals through injury and Raphael Varane only fit enough for the bench, Les Bleus showed their tournament credentials.

Goodwin arrived at the back post to convert from a low Mathew Leckie cross, with Lucas Hernandez adding another name to France’s injury list as he limped off to be replaced by younger brother Theo.

The holders would level soon, Rabiot’s powerful header from Theo Hernandez’s cross too strong for Mat Ryan.

Rabiot was involved in the goal that put France ahead just five minutes later, when his cross was turned home by Giroud.

Giroud, Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann went close but the Australian resistance ended on 68 minutes, Mbappe getting off the mark with a fine header.

Giroud, 36, would go on to match Henry’s total, from Mbappe’s cross.