Olivier Giroud has drawn level with Thierry Henry’s record of 51 international goals for France national team, making eight fewer appearances than the Barcelona and Arsenal legend.
Giroud and Henry are now France’s joint-top scorer of all time which could be broken with a new record in Qatar.
The AC Milan forward bagged a brace in France’s emphatic 4-1 win against Group D rivals Australia in their opening game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
France defeated the Socceroos in a thrilling encounter as goals from Adrien Rabiot, Kylian Mbappe and Giroud’s brace sealed the comeback for the reigning champions after falling behind to an early Craig Goodwin strike.
Giroud got the first of his brace in the 32nd minute, firing Adrien Rabiot’s cutback into the back of the net to give France a 2-1 lead at half-time.
After fine work from PSG’s Mbappe, the towering centre-forward completed his brace with a trademark header from a pin-point cross.
Giroud would be entirely focused on the golden boot race after his brace made him the fourth player in history to score twice in their opening World Cup match.
He would hope to continue his fine form in front of goal when France take on Denmark in their next group fixture on Saturday at the Stadium 974.
Giroud, 36, made his international debut for Les Blues in a friendly match against United States of America in November 2011, replacing Kevin Gameiro as a 59th minute substitute.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker opened his international goal account in a 2-1 friendly victory against Germany in 2012.
