Soccer News

Olivier Giroud scores as France thump Iceland

Samuel Umtiti put the hosts ahead with a glancing header from Kylian Mbappe’s left-wing cross, before Giroud saw the ball bounce off him and into the net following Benjamin Pavard’s cross.

Olivier Giroud became France’s third highest goalscorer of all time as he scored in an easy win over Iceland.

Mbappe added a third from Antoine Griezmann’s pass, before Griezmann netted a fourth shortly afterwards. Giroud, 32, has now scored 35 times in 89 international appearances.

The Chelsea striker’s 68th-minute goal had a touch of fortune about it as Pavard’s cross was palmed out by Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson hit Giroud and went in.

Olivier Giroud

Nevertheless, the goal took him clear of David Trezeguet’s total of 34, with only Michel Platini (41 goals in 72 appearances) and Thierry Henry (51 goals in 123 matches) ahead of him.

France has now scored eight goals in two qualifying games for the 2020 European Championship, having beaten Moldova 4-1 in their opening qualifier on Friday.

Didier Deschamps’ side leads Group H on goal difference, ahead of Turkey, who also have six points from their two games.

Source: BBC News