Defending champion France defeats Australia 4-1

KATHMANDU: Defending champion France started its World Cup campaign, defeating Australia 4-1 at Al Janoub Stadium on Tuesday.

In the Group D encounter, Australia took the lead in just the 10th minute. Craig Goodwin fired to the right corner beyond the stretched Lloris to give Australia a 1-0 lead. But France ensured there is no room for another shock after Argentina was defeated by Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, scoring two quick goals in the first half. Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud scored in the space of five minutes to give France a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Kylian Mbappe scored in the 51st minute and set up Giroud’s second three minutes later to put the game beyond Australia.

With his second goal, Giroud moved level with Theirry Henry for most goals scored for the national team. He is on track to keep the record to his name.

Poland, Mexico play a goalless draw
Robert Lewandowski had a penalty saved as Poland played a goalless draw with Mexico in the Group C encounter at Stadium 974 on Tuesday.

Poland was given the penalty after a VAR check in the 11th minute of the game as Lewandowski was fouled by Hector Moreno in the box. But the Polish captain’s shot was saved by Mexico goalie Guillermo Ochoa.

Lewandowski, who scores regularly for his club, is yet to score for his side in the World Cup.

Mexicans were dominant of the two sides as they fired a total of 11 shots on Polish goals including four on target.

Poland had only two shots on target.

Today’s Matches
Group E
Germany Vs Japan
6:45 pm

Group E
Spain vs Costa Rica
9:45 pm

Group F
Belgium vs Canada
00:45 am