Giroud sets record as France thrash Poland 3-1 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Olivier Giroud, on Sunday, became France’s all-time men’s record goalscorer as his opener and Kylian Mbappe’s second-half double gave the World Cup holders a 3-1 win over Poland to move them into the quarter-finals.

Giroud scored his 52nd France goal to surpass Thierry Henry’s record with a neat first-half finish in the 44th minute to help fire Les Bleus to a last-16 victory at the Al Thumama stadium in Doha, Qatar, and set up a quarter-final against either England or Senegal.

The 36-year-old striker, who had equalled Henry’s tally of 51 after scoring twice in their opening Group D win over Australia, broke the record on his 117th appearance for France.

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Mbappe then doubled France’s lead in the 74th minute before arrowing in a superb second in stoppage time to make it five goals in Qatar – two more than any other player at the tournament.

Robert Lewandowski scored a 99th-minute re-taken penalty to add a late consolation for Poland to deny Hugo Lloris a clean sheet on his record-equalling 142nd appearance for France.

Speaking after the game, France coach, Didier Deschamps, said: “It’s not been easy because they’re a well-organised team and we had to make some positional changes at halftime.

“We’re a united squad and tonight the players’ impeccable behaviour has been rewarded. Now we’re going to spend a little bit of time with our families.”

The Star