Holders France crushes Australia by 4-1

Sports Nov, 24 2022
Holders France crushes Australia by 4-1
  • 138
  • 0

DOHA: The injury-decimated defending champions had seen Argentina being upset just hours earlier in their opening match of the World Cup. Here, at the Al Janoub Stadium, designed in the shape of Qatar’s traditional dhow boats, they were battling to avoid another against an Australian side that seemed buoyed by Saudi Arabia’s stunning victory over Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

While the Saudis had come from behind in their 2-1 win, Australia had taken the lead in the Group ‘D’ clash against Didier Deschamps’ side in the ninth minute; Craig Goodwin firing in a fizzing cross from Matthew Leckie. Leckie’s turn before that cross had floored Lucas Hernandez — the left-back, one of six members in the starting lineup that had started the World Cup final in Moscow four years ago, twisting his knee and adding to France’s injury woes. Injuries also robbed France of their midfield spine comprising Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante but Adrien Rabiot stepped up in Al Janoub, showing the riches Deschamps has at his disposal. His towering header off a cross from Theo Hernandez on for his brother Lucas levelled matters in the 27th and five minutes later, he set up Olivier Giroud for a tap-in.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 24 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

NC Big Stories

Interference of executive in judicial affairs intolerable: CJP Isa

Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa said that “Interference by executive in affairs and judicial workings of judges will not be tolerated” following...

Pakistan, UK agree to step up teamwork in diverse areas

ISLAMABAD: United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott and President Asif Ali Zardari emphasised further strengthening trade and economic ties between Paki...

IHC judges’ letter: Govt announces to form inquiry commission

Islamabad: Following letter surfaced related to judges of Islamabad High Court (IHC), government has announced to establish an inquiry commission aims to investigate issues ra...

Mohsin, Gandapur vow to work together to combat terrorism

PESHAWAR: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to discuss security situation of province. During meeting, it wa...

More like this
Related

Qatar shift focus as World Cup preliminaries resume

DOHA: Qatar will resume their quest for a first-ever qualification for the World Cup against Kuwait on Thursday with stability in the dugout but change on the pitch six weeks...

PCB names team of HBL PSL 9 with Shadab Khan as captain

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday named team of the HBL PSL 9 with Shadab Khan as captain of the team. The HBL PSL 9 team was picked by an independent panel...

Tanzid Hasan, Rishad Hossain power Bangladesh to series win against Sri Lanka

CHATTOGRAM: Rishad Hossain played an attacking innings of 48 after substitute Tanzid Hasan Tamim hit 84 off 81 balls yesteday, steering Bangladesh to a four-wicket win and a 2...

PSL 9: Islamabad United beats Multan Sultans to clinch title after 5 years

KARACHI: Imad Wasim’s all-round performance powered Islamabad United to clinch Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after five-long years by defeating favourites Multan Sul...
Need Help? Chat with us