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.
Australia shirt is one of the nicer ones.
I wonder have Australia simply poked the Beast - makes for a much more entertaining game now either way.
This France side is there for the taking if Australia are brave enough. Utterly sh*te up as far as Mbappé.
That would have been a class goal for Duke had he hit the target. Lovely hit and keeper beaten.
Ah well. The beast has awoken. France get the first of a few more.
That's more like it. Lovely ball by Theo Hernandez.
Awful defending to leave him completely unmarked in the box.
Ah well, it was nice while it lasted. Was just about to type how Well Australia were doing.
Minutes later 1-1
Good start for the Aussies, but would probably expect France to take it on from here now..
Super cross and finish,even if completely unmarked
Gorgeous ball from Hernandez
And now the floodgates could be open.
Poked indeed 2-1
France turn it around. Lovely flick from Mbappe in the build.
Jayus Giroud is 36 wouldn’t know it.
Giroud is a really under-rated player, doesn't get half enough credit compared to some selfish players who want all the limelight.
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.
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.
In other words; the French being French.
MBAPPE!
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 😅
Fantastic header. Strolling to the win now.
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.
Giroud, some record and stamina for his age. Equals Henry’s record.
They're cooking now. Mbappe sets up Giroud.
It would be nice to see Giroud break the record with a hat-trick.
Always used to think he was an awkward lump, but a very useful awkward lump - very unselfish good team player.
Can't think of a team ever with faster wide players on each side than Mbappe and Djembele.
Mbappé is absolutely terrifying.
Tchouameni and Rabiot did well, albeit against a poor side. It will be intriguing to see how the midfield battle unfolds against Denmark, who have had their number this year.
