Giroud joins Henry as holders France sweep past Australia

Olivier Giroud scored twice as World Cup holders France recovered from the shock of going behind to thump Australia 4-1 in their opener in Qatar Tuesday.

Veteran striker Giroud drew level with Thierry Henry's all-time record of 51 goals for France and Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe also scored, after Australia took a surprise ninth-minute lead through Craig Goodwin.

Giroud tapped in Adrien Rabiot's pass to put France 2-1 ahead in the first half.

He headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappe in the second half as the world champions moved 4-1 ahead.

Henry scored 51 times in 123 games for France.

Giroud, 36, equalled the mark on his 115th international appearance.