Olivier Giroud Equals Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry’s Record for France

• AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud is now the joint top scorer for France
• Giroud has reached Thierry Henry’s tally of 51 goals in ten games fewer
• The 36-year-old Giroud struck twice in France's 4-1 victory over Australia

Olivier Giroud has bagged his 50th and 51st goals for France, to put him on the cusp of making goal scoring 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.

The reigning world champions were overwhelming favourites heading into the game, but the Socceroos took an early lead through Craig Goodwin.

It didn't take last too long though, as Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot equalised for France after 27 minutes.

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AC Milan striker 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, with Giroud bagging his brace in the 71st minute. His second goal against Australia was his 51st in all competitions for France.

As a result, he is now level in France’s all-time goal scoring charts along with a fellow Arsenal man, Thierry Henry, ESPN reports.

This means that scoring just one more would see the former Arsenal and Chelsea attacker claim the record for himself.

It is worth noting that Giroud managed to score 51 goals in 115 matches for France, whereas Henry took 123 games to do so.

With France standing a high chance to proceed to the knockout stages, it is hard to bet against Giroud becoming Les Bleus' all-time top scorer.

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How France defeated Australia

Sports Brief earlier reported that France recovered to beat Australia and get their defence of the World Cup off to a winning start on Tuesday.

Australia took a shock lead at Al Janoub Stadium, with the game just nine minutes old when Craig Goodwin scored.

France, whose build-up to the tournament was marred by injuries, saw left-back Lucas Hernandez come off hurt in the move that led to that goal.