Giroud profits from Benzema blow to match Henry’s goals record

Going for the spectacular: France’s Olivier Giroud attempts a bicycle kick at the Australia goal. — AP

OLIVIER Giroud was unlikely to start until Karim Benzema was ruled out of the World Cup, but adversity has never fazed the man who on Tuesday equalled Thierry Henry’s all-time goalscoring record for his country.

The 36-year-old Giroud struck twice in France’s 4-1 victory over Australia, becoming the oldest player to score for Les Bleus at the World Cup in a strong start to their title defence.