Olivier Giroud broke a record this Thursday, although he is still chasing another, much more prestigious, and which is getting closer. By scoring the second goal against Austria (2-0), the Milanese became the oldest goalscorer in the history of the French national team at 35 years and 357 days.
The former Gunner overtakes Roger Marche, who had scored his last tricolor win in December 1959 against Spain with seventy days less. Giroud has shown that he is still there, two steps away from equaling Thierry Henry’s goalscoring record with 51.
Copenhagen, in two days, could be the scene of this feat for who has 49 goals in 113 selections. But this trip to Denmark may be the last chance. To crack Didier Deschamps, one would be tempted to say yes before the World Cup squad is announced, if Karim Benzema is operational for Qatar.
The coach continues to insinuate that Giroud does not have the profile of a Real forward lining or the condition of a substitute. If the Rossoneri seems willing to do anything, even to score, the tricolor coach continues to affirm his reservations about the fact that his 2018 World Champion could be a super substitute in the World Cup.
But Deschamps will still have to think twice about his case and his logic of establishing it every time he’s there… without wanting to see beyond it. The former resident of Montpellier does the job, puts his actions into words without getting bogged down in both his speech and above all in deeds. Against Austria, the AC Milan striker was omnipresent.
“I didn’t say I was going to deprive myself of her”
He is at the origin of the opening of the Mbappé marker (56th). On his goal, he plans in the air to overtake Lienhart a perfect cross from Griezmann that heads into the net by Pentz (65th). If he narrowly missed with two lateral recoveries (39, 48), his fundamental game is still precious. This work combined with his realism may open Deschamps’s eyes a little more. “But I didn’t say I was going to deprive myself of her (for the world cup)it is you who draws conclusions, moderated the coach at the microphone of La Cadena L’Équipe. Olivier is in an excellent mood. He participated in many offensive actions. Congratulations to him, and he is very good for the French team. »
In any case, the public accompanied his ‘Olive’ on the bench with a huge ovation when he was replaced by Nkunku (78th). In three games since his post-European Championship retirement, Giroud has scored three times. These statistics are higher than those displayed by Benzema’s potential substitute. In any case, “between saying and doing”Giroud pushes Deschamps further and further “his thoughts for the future”. With pleasure.