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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Karl Matchett

France vs Australia prediction: How will World Cup fixture play out tonight?

AFP via Getty Images
Fifa World Cup: Results and reaction from day three in Qatar

Australia gave France an early scare before the defending World Cup champions turned on the style in a 4-1 win in their Group D opener.

Craig Goodwin gave the Socceroos a shock lead after just nine minutes with a composed finish at the back post and France looked out of sorts in the early stages.

But Adrien Rabiot’s header pulled France level before Olivier Giroud scored a second within five minutes as the 2018 World Cup winners turned the match around.

Kylian Mbappe got off the mark for the World Cup in the second half from Ousmane Dembele’s cross, before Giroud scored his second to level Thierry Henry as France’s record scorer with his 51st international goal.

It leaves France top of Group D after Denmark and Tunisia shared the points in a goalless draw earlier in the day. Follow all the reaction from Al-Janoub Stadium with our live blog below.

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