Olivier Giroud scored his 50th and 51st international goal for France during the defending champions' 4-1 win against Australia in their Qatar World Cup 2022 opener on Tuesday. With this brace, the 36-year-old striker equalled Thierry Henry as the country's top goal scorer.
Olivier Giroud, France's star striker, equalled legendary compatriot Thierry Henry's record of 51 goals for his country after scoring twice against Australia in their Qatar World Cup 2022 Group D opener on Tuesday.
At the double? Girouuuuuuuuuud!!! 🔥
With that goal, equals the record number of goals in Bleu by Thierry Henry (51) 🤜🤛
🇫🇷4-1🇦🇺 | | pic.twitter.com/yU9p87NgRr
The 36-year-old headed in a Kylian Mbappe cross in the 71st minute to make the score 4-1 after the defending champions went ahead 2-1 with a tap-in after 32 minutes.
Drafted into the team to play his 115th international after an injury ruled Karim Benzema out, the AC Milan star equalled the record set by the iconic Arsenal player in his 123-match international career from 1997 to 2010.
French football fans took to Twitter to express their joy, with most users convinced that the former Arsenal striker will break Henry's record in the upcoming World Cup games. Some fans also believe Giroud is the most underrated player in the sport.
This is what the is all about-Olivier Giroud;
❌ Rejected for ’s youth team
🇫🇷 1st senior cap at 25 yrs
✍️ Signed for Arsenal at 25 yrs
🏆 Wins World Cup at 32 yrs
🔝 Ties Thierry Henry as France all time scorer at 36 yrs
👊 Never give up pic.twitter.com/CEVNscSAYc
One fan remarked, "Giroud is one of the most underrated players of the last decade. Keeps on producing and plays a role where you always have an option if your gameplay doesn't work."
Another fan noted, "Can't help but be happy for Giroud, even if he's constantly reminding Arsenal they let him go way too early," while a third simply said, "Gunners connect."
Here's a look at some of the other reactions on the micro-blogging site:
Most underrated footballer,ever!!!! https://t.co/IVvsVw8MDt
— OLHABEEZEE (@samqlevG)Can’t help but be happy for Giroud, even if he’s constantly reminding Arsenal they let him go way too early. https://t.co/sdOWyjHLDj
— Carly Adno (@CarlyAdno226)Olivier Giroud is a winner https://t.co/Io8meyE5n4
— SSBlueHunnids 🇦🇷 🇧🇷 (@SSbluehunnids)Olivier Giroud (51 goals) ties with Thierry Henry as France's all-time goalscorer. What a player! pic.twitter.com/JTHTeh91Ue
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen)A historic performance for Olivier Giroud 👏🇫🇷
With 2 goals today, he ties Thierry Henry for most goals in France men's international history (51) pic.twitter.com/dkezFE5TJF
Giroud is one of the most underrated players of the last decade. Keeps on producing and plays a role where you always have an option if your gameplay doesn't work. https://t.co/lT4QaDa11B
— ThePenguin_71 #BLM 🏳️🌈 (@SidoGeno)Gunners connect https://t.co/eU3Ec1e0wB
— Toyour (@Prince_toyo)One of the coolest graphics ever. https://t.co/oAUgAdbhEV
— Rory. (@RawrEWreckz)Tonight, Olivier Oluwadunsin Giroud equalled Thierry Henry as France's all-time top record goal - scorer (51)
To the most underrated striker in the world - May Your days Be Long! pic.twitter.com/l8VmgrcFAb
Thierry Henry once said you can’t win the league with Giroud, he’s won the league with AC Milan and today he’s just equaled Henry’s all time international record.
— felipe (@philoffcolor)