France vs Netherlands: 5 Talking Points, UEFA Nations League 2018/19

#4 Eleventh time lucky as Giroud eclipses Zidane

France v Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final

Olivier Giroud came into the match a player under fire yet departed it the match winner, sealing the points for Les Bleus with a powerful volley off a cross delivered by Benjamin Mendy. It certainly wasn’t the finish of a man who had gone 10 international matches without a goal, particularly as he outfoxed in-form Virgil van Dijk to get to the ball in the first place.

With the goal, Giroud has gone clear as France’s all-time fourth top scorer, moving clear of Zinedine Zidane by scoring his 32nd goal. Now David Trezeguet (34) and Michel Platini (41) are in the Chelsea’s striker’s sights.

He was a key player in the World Cup victory thanks to his link-up play and defensive work, but became renowned as the ‘non-scoring striker’ at the tournament. Indeed, he failed to muster even a shot on target over the tournament in Russia, prompting him to admit that he would happily trade his 31 France goals for just one at the World Cup.

Giroud, however, is a consummate team player. His efforts were appreciated massively by both Deschamps and his team-mates, who have shown an unwavering support for the forward in difficult moments.

They will be as pleased as anyone that he ended his long international drought when the spotlight was on both him and the team upon what was an important occasion. He has proven that he can indeed still produce the goods.