Giroud becomes France’s joint-highest goal-scorer with Henry after brace against Australia

The 36-year-old forward Giroud equalled Henry’s tally of 51 international goals for Les Blues in his 115th appearance.

Olivier Giroud of France celebrates scoring his side’s second goal with teammate Ousmane Dembele during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match against Australia at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday in Al Wakrah, Qatar. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Olivier Giroud became France’s joint-highest goal-scorer alongside Thierry Henry with a brace in the defending champion’s Group D opener against Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Al Wakrah, Qatar on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old forward Giroud, who made his France debut in 2011, equalled Henry’s record tally of 51 international goals for Les Blues in his 115th appearance, eight fewer than the Arsenal legend.

At the double? Girouuuuuuuuuud!!! 🔥

With that goal, @_OlivierGiroud_ equals the record number of goals in Bleu by Thierry Henry (51) 🤜🤛

🇫🇷4-1🇦🇺 | #FRAAUS | #FiersdetreBleuspic.twitter.com/yU9p87NgRr

— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) November 22, 2022

France fell behind against the Socceroos after a quick goal from Craig Goodwin in ninth minute. However, Adrian Rabiot equalised for Didier Deschamps’ side 18 minutes later before Giroud put it ahead with a simple tap-in in the 32nd minute. Kylian Mbappe extended his side’s lead with a header in the 67th minute.

Giroud’s record-equalling goal came in the 71st minute with a header following a cross from Mbappe making it 4-1 in France’s favour.

France next faces Denmark in its second group match on Saturday.