World Cup: Mbappe & Giroud shine as France thrash Australia - reaction

1. Giroud scores twice to equal Henry's record as France's all-time top scorer with 51
2. Rabiot and Mbappe also score headers as France dominate
3. Goodwin had given Australia shock early lead
4. World champions France beginning their campaign in Qatar

SUBSTITUTION

France make a double change. Youssouf Fofana and Kingsley Coman replace Aurelien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembele.

Olivier Giroud was probably the main beneficiary of injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema on the eve of the tournament. He would probably have been limited to cameo appearances in Qatar otherwise.

'Phenomenal achievement'

Danny Murphy

Former England midfielder on BBC One

That's a phenomenal achievement for Olivier Giroud.

I know we've been talking about Mbappe and eulogising about him but what a special moment for Giroud.

It would have been easy for Giroud, with Benzema and Nkunku probably ahead of him in the pecking order, to maybe feel a bit sorry for himself or maybe not look after himself in the same way.

But he has impeccable professionalism - he's called upon and he's fit and ready and concentrated and he's got two goals.

SUBSTITUTION

Australia bring on new Newcastle signing Garang Kuol and Awer Mabil for Riley McGree and goalscorer Craig Goodwin.

'Mbappe is unstoppable'

Chris Sutton

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kylian Mbappe is unstoppable, goes down the outside on his supposed weaker left side and stands the ball up inside the six-yard box and how many times have seen this type of finish from Olivier Giroud?

'Mbappe has everything'

Danny Murphy

Former England midfielder on BBC One

Mbappe has showed everything - one-on-one explosive skills, taking people on, headers, shots, passes, awareness of others.

He's got the lot and he's an absolute pleasure to watch.

GOAL - France 4-1 Australia

Olivier Giroud equals Thierry Henry's record as France's all-time top scorer.

The AC Milan striker gets number 51 as he powers in a header from Kylian Mbappe's cross. That was wonderful wing play by Mbappe.

Only Just Fontaine (13), Thierry Henry (six), Zinedine Zidane (five) and Michel Platini (five) have netted as many goals at the World Cup for Les Bleus as Kylian Mbappe (five).

Only Pele (seven), Mario Kempes (six) and James Rodriguez (six) have netted as many World Cup goals before turning 24 as Kylian Mbappe (five).

Mbappe turns 24 two days after the final.

'Can't see a way back for Australia'

Chris Sutton

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

What a leap from Mbappe. He still gets the direction on it to take it in off the post and I can't see a way back for Australia now.

Mbappe finally makes his mark on this World Cup and France are turning up.

Getty Images

'Best player on the pitch'

Danny Murphy

Former England midfielder on BBC One

Mbappe does deserve it. He's been the best player on the pitch.

He missed that one in the first half but that was great determination to win the header, showing all aspects of his game.

He does what he does best, scoring goals - all sorts of goals.

Chris Sutton

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

On the chance just before the goal

Absolutely brilliant. How good was the move? A quick little one-two and then the pull back to Griezmann. He must have thought he had scored but there was Behich to clear it off the line.

GOAL - France 3-1 Australia

Surely that's it now.

Kylian Mbappe flashes a cross-shot over to the far side but he stays alive. Ousmane Dembele returns the ball into the France superstar, who heads in off the inside of the post.

Another lovely France move and another good chance. Theo Hernandez and Kylian Mbappe plays a lovely one-two and Hernandez finds Antoine Griezmann, whose shot is cleared off the line.

Sweet music for France

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at Al Janoub Stadium

Not saying it's a bit quiet and subdued in here but we can hear someone playing an accordion behind the goal from the press box. Very French. Very tuneful it is too.

France's physios run on to treat Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is fouled by Jackson Irvine.

Antoine Griezmann curls in the corner and Ibrahima Konate heads wide after a good leap.

Kylian Mbappe, another shot blocked, another corner. Can Australia hold out?

Here was that tasty Olivier Giroud chance.

Danny Murphy

Former England midfielder on BBC One

lt was a beautiful give and go around the corner from France.

Then a last-ditch lunge and a great tackle.