France 4 Norway 0: Olivier Giroud boosts starting chances

Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud pushed his claims for a starting role for France at the World Cup with two goals in their friendly victory over Norway in Paris.

The Arsenal striker, 27, is one of three forward options named in coach Didier Deschamps' squad.

Deschamps rested Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, while QPR's Loic Remy came off the bench to score.

But it was Giroud who impressed with two second-half goals to take his tally to nine in 28 games for Les Bleus.

Marseille winger Mathieu Valbuena also had a influential role in the victory at the Stade de France as he provided assists for three of the goals.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba headed Valbuena's cross, and he then teed up Giroud, who fired home from the edge of the box.

Remy added a third when he stroked home, before Giroud headed home another delivery from Valbuena.

Deschamps said: "We are not yet ready, but there is a collective hunger and a real togetherness about the players.

"One must not lose sight of our ultimate target, but our performance reflected the work we have already done."

France face Paraguay on Sunday and then take on Jamaica in their final friendly match on 8 June before they travel to Brazil.

Les Blues are in World Cup Group E with Ecuador, Honduras and Switzerland.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Atsuto Uchida's goal helped Japan continue their preparations for the tournament next month with a 1-0 win over Cyprus.