World champions, France, kicked off their world cup title defence with a statement 4-2 victory over Australia.
Australia took a shocking lead barely nine minutes into the game, through Craig Goodwin but the champions responded with two goals from Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud.
Les Bleus are without some key players who helped them conquer the World four years ago, including Ballon D’OR winner,
Karim Benzema, and midfielder powerhouses, Ngolo Kante and Paul Pogba, but that did not stop them from passing a clear message to other contenders in the tournament.Β
After the break, Kylian Mbappe made it three before Giroud bagged a brace and equalled
Thierry Henry’s all-time 51 goals record for the national team.
France are at the top of Group D which contains Tunisia and Denmark, who played out the first goalless draw or the tournament.Β
