France vs Argentina: Giroud, Dembele hooked off before half time in World Cup final

Holders France made a double substitution before half-time in a desperate attempt to rescue their World Cup dreams.

The two-time champions found themselves 2-0 down thanks to Lionel Messi's penalty and Angel Di Maria's team goal after just 36 minutes.

And France coach Didier Deschamps wasted no time in making the changes to try and claw their way back into the contest.

Four minutes to the end of the first half, Deschamps substituted AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele for Mochengladbach forward Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.

An appalling first-half display by Les Bleus saw them go a goal down when Dembele conceded a penalty after he tripped Di Maria inside the box, then Messi stepped up and sent Hugo Lloris the wrong way from 12 yards.

Then a swift counter saw a fine Argentina move end with Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister play the ball accross for Di Maria to score and double the South American's lead in Qatar, a goal which left the Juventus star in tears during his celebrations.

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