AL WAKRAH, Qatar (AP) — France confirmed it will probably cope with out its star striker on the World Cup.In Karim Benzema’s absence, Kylian Mbappe scored one and arrange the second of Olivier Giroud’s two objectives to assist the defending champions beat Australia 4-1 Tuesday.Giroud equaled Thierry Henry’s nationwide report of 51 objectives with a header from Mbappe’s cross within the 71st minute. Giroud, who failed to attain on the final World Cup however did discover the online on the 2014 event, can break Henry’s report when France faces Denmark on Saturday.“It’s not nearly chasing data however what he all the time does on the sphere,” France coach Didier Deschamps stated. “He’s a vital participant for us.”Moments earlier than that strike, Mbappe headed in Ousmane Dembele’s cross from the best to begin this World Cup as he completed the final — with a aim. He knelt with one hand behind his again and his finger on his brow in a brand new celebration.Deschamps joked that Mbappe might now grow to be much more deadly.“He all the time goals about scoring headers, so if he begins doing that he’ll be much more harmful,” Deschamps stated, cracking a smile. “I knew he could be prepared tonight as a result of that is his competitors.”Craig Goodwin gave Australia the lead when he turned in winger Mathew Leckie’s cross within the ninth minute. France midfielder Adrien Rabiot equalized with a robust header within the twenty seventh and arrange Giroud’s first aim shortly after.“It’s nice for our momentum and confidence to have turned issues round,” Giroud stated. “Regardless that we might have scored extra we mixed properly.”France was taking part in with out the injured Benzema, who was dominated out of the World Cup final week.The Socceroos have been pumped up and the green-and-gold Aussie followers have been loving it. They even mocked Mbappe with chants of “Who’re ya? Who’re ya?” after he misplaced the ball dribbling down the left.That’s pretty much as good because it acquired for them.Theo Hernandez curled in a cross for Rabiot to attain his first World Cup aim — 4 years after refusing to go on France’s standby record in case of accidents. He even emailed France coach Didier Deschamps to be taken off the record and was dropped from the nationwide staff for 2 years.It’s been some comeback for Rabiot. He’s now main a midfield lacking the injured Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante — France’s engine room the 2018 World Cup.“Having Adrien taking part in at this degree is essential for us,” Deschamps stated.Accidents are hurting Deschamps’ staff, nevertheless, and now the coach may very well be with out Lucas Hernandez — Theo’s older brother. He damage his knee within the construct as much as Australia’s aim.“He must have exams however sadly it does look fairly critical,” Deschamps stated. “That’s the true low level about tonight.”___
Giroud, Mbappe assist France beat Australia 4-1 at World Cup
