Thread to discuss the football itself.
This is not a thread to discuss the hosting of the competition in Quatar.
You can discuss the hosting in the relevant thread.
Always used to think he was an awkward lump, but a very useful awkward lump - very unselfish good team player.
They're cooking now. Mbappe sets up Giroud.
It would be nice to see Giroud break the record with a hat-trick.
Giroud, some record and stamina for his age. Equals Henry’s record.
Christ he has 29 goals and 60 caps at 23 years old.
Also I wish Theo would stop looking so good on the world stage.
Fantastic header. Strolling to the win now.
Done and dusted now. Have looked like they could raise their level whenever they’ve felt like it - just haven’t seemed too bothered aside from 5 minute spells here or there 😅
MBAPPE!
In other words; the French being French.
They also just look like they’re not taking it too seriously, like they really don’t consider Australia a threat - despite going behind! Seem almost dismissive in how relaxed they are about things.
Strange half. France awful early on, and then went and provided some of the best attacking football in the competition. The defensive side looks shaky and I think Deschamps will have to tinker with it as the tournament progresses. They look like a work in progress.
Giroud is a really under-rated player, doesn't get half enough credit compared to some selfish players who want all the limelight.
Jayus Giroud is 36 wouldn’t know it.
France turn it around. Lovely flick from Mbappe in the build.
Poked indeed 2-1
And now the floodgates could be open.
Gorgeous ball from Hernandez
Super cross and finish,even if completely unmarked
Good start for the Aussies, but would probably expect France to take it on from here now..
Minutes later 1-1
Ah well, it was nice while it lasted. Was just about to type how Well Australia were doing.
Awful defending to leave him completely unmarked in the box.
That's more like it. Lovely ball by Theo Hernandez.
Ah well. The beast has awoken. France get the first of a few more.
That would have been a class goal for Duke had he hit the target. Lovely hit and keeper beaten.
This France side is there for the taking if Australia are brave enough. Utterly sh*te up as far as Mbappé.
I wonder have Australia simply poked the Beast - makes for a much more entertaining game now either way.
Australia shirt is one of the nicer ones.
France down another player should make the game more open hopefully in terms of France
Trent is just a talking point at the minute. Its like how Maguire is watched every second for a mistake.
I swear, there hasn’t been a mention of Pavard being in a world of his own there for Australia’s goal but if that was Trent doing it for England, you’d never hear the end of it.
Embarrassing stuff from the Bayern man.
