Olivier Giroud is fully embracing his position as France record breaker and World Cup saviour.
The 36-year-old has already smashed his nation’s goalscoring record. During Les Bleus’ round-of-16 victory vs Poland, Giroud notched his 52nd goal for the world champions - eclipsing Thierry Henry in the process.
Not content with that, Giroud then made it 53 not out with the dramatic late winner vs England in the quarter final. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker was below-par for much of the clash with the Three Lions but popped up when his side needed it most to nod them back in front.
Giroud was the toast of Paris after his England heroics and new footage has showed he is comfortable in his place within Didier Deschamps’ squad,
Recorded walking alongside former Gunners midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, before his younger team-mate sped past him. “I’ve overtaken Giroud, let’s go”. But quick as a flash the striker replied: “Not in the goalscoring charts, in any case.”
France are busily preparing for their meeting with Morocco as they look to continue their bid to become the first nation to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962. And the holders are strong favourites to come out on top against the tournament’s surprise package - who have already beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal in their historic run.
Another goal against Morocco in the semi final would help him towards another record - becoming the oldest player to ever score five goals in a single World Cup campaign. It could have been so different for both Giroud and their vanquished opponents in the quarter final, with reports suggesting he was moments away from being substituted.
Speaking after the win, he compared their victory to the one they achieved vs Belgium in 2018, with their semi-final win laying the foundations for their World Cup success in Russia.
“It is extraordinary," he told reporters.. "We worked super well defensively once we took the lead, it reminded me of Belgium in 2018.
"Unfortunately, we conceded a penalty. Towards the end of the match, we get a few chances. I knew that we were going to have another, ‘Grizi’ [Antoine Griezmann] gives me a fantastic ball. I am very proud. This evening it was a truly great match, we knew the potential of this young English generation. It was the mental side of things where we got the win.”
Giroud may have the record for now, but it’s only a matter of time until his strike partner Kylian Mbappe takes the crown and runs with it. Aged just 23, Mbappe already has 33 goals and with five already in Qatar, is the favourite for the Golden Boot. But after coming in for flak throughout his career, manager Didier Deschamps was happy to heap praise on the veteran.
He said: “Four years ago he didn’t score but he was still an important player,” Deschamps said. “He has had difficult periods in his career. He has often been criticised but people are now seeing his quality. He stayed strong mentally and has broken a very difficult record held by Henry.”
