The Defending Champions France, Trash Australia In Group D 2022 World Cup Ooener.

Following to a slow start to the campaign, France began their title defence as they delivered a dominating performance to defeat the Socceroos 4-1 on Tuesday night.

The Group D opener which was played at the Al Janoub stadium, Al wakrah, saw Australia struck first as Craig Goodwin scored in the 9th minute having converted a cross by Mathew Leckie, to give the underdogs a surprise 1-0 lead. 

In the 27th minute, France responded. Adrien Rabiot found the back of the net with an equalizer. And five minutes later, Les Bleus took the lead as Rabiot threaded a ball to striker Oliver Giroud who made it 2-1 for France going into the break. 

The second half began with France going all the way. After getting close on several occasions, French forward Kylian Mbappé finally got his goal in the 68th minute heading in a cross from Ousmane Dembele to give his team a 3-1 lead.

.

Just three minutes later, Mbappe also provided the fourth for Giroud to score his second as France wrapped up a comfortable victory.

Giroud who didn't score a single goal at World Cup 2018 in Russia, now ties Thierry Henry to become France's joint all-time goalscorer at 51.

France are the first reigning World Cup champions to win their opening game since 2006, as no World Cup holders have made it past the group stage since 2006. 

With three points after the win, France sits atop Group D.

Next up for France is Denmark on Saturday. Australia will face Tunisia.