Qatar 2022: Victor Gomes and Zakhele Siwela Praised for Handling of France vs Australia

• The match between reigning world champions France and Australia in Al Wakrah was a special one
• South African referee Victor Gomes handled the match with compatriot Zakhele Siwela, Lesotho's Souru Phatsoane and Rwanda's Salima Mukansaga
• They have all come in for praise for their performances at the Al Janoub Stadium

Reigning champions France sounded a warning to the rest of the challengers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a resounding 4-1 win against Australia.

There was a very strong African flavour in this encounter at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. The man with the whistle was South Africa's Victor Gomes, assisted by his compatriot Zakhele Siwela, Lesotho's Souro Phatsoane and Rwanda's Salima Mukansaga.

This was a moment of pride for many viewers, who were impressed with the officiating team's performance in keeping the highly entertaining Group D under control.

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@Cellular_jnr said:

Yesterday Victor Gomes was solid and professional... For the first time I enjoyed his job. He was flying our flag very high as a country. He didn't act BIG trying to make the game all about him. May he remain the same and come back as a solid official. ⚽"

Olivier Giroud equals Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s record for France

Olivier Giroud has bagged his 50th and 51st goals for France to put him on the cusp of making goalscoring history for his country.

The 36-year-old was handed a starting berth for Les Bleus against Australia on Tuesday night at the Al Janoub Stadium, Sports Brief reported. The reigning World Champions were the heavy favourites heading into the game, but the Socceroos took an early lead through Craig Goodwin.

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It didn't last too long though, as Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot equalized for France after 27 minutes. AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud then registered his first goal to make it 2-1 in the 32nd minute, before Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe added a third.

Didier Deschamps' men continued the onslaught, Giroud bagging his brace in the 71st minute. Giroud's second goal against Australia was the 51st strike in all competitions for France.