France beat Australia 4-1 in the first leg of their World Cup defense in the early hours of Wednesday morning (23rd), breaking the 16-year curse of the reigning champions not winning their first match in the World Cup. France's star Benschmar was injured and withdrawn before the final week, but his replacement, Chiote, delivered in spades, scoring with a header and a kick.
score twice in a row
The two goals also made him tie Henry for the most goals scored by a French player in history, with 51.
In the past 12 World Cups, only three defending champions have won their first match at the World Cup, and the last one was Brazil in 2006. France also suffered a shock defeat in the first nine minutes of the match, when they lost the ball to Kiki Gwynn, but they stabilized and took control of the game.
In the second half, France scored in the 68th minute when Kylian McBarbee headed in a cross from the right side of the field by Oswald Nibili, and in the 71st minute when Kylian McBarbee crossed from the left side of the field, Keanu Tjotjon headed in a cross to make it a 4-1 game. France is at the top of Group D after the win, with Denmark and Tunisia on one point apiece, while Australia is at the bottom with zero points, and will face Denmark in the second round.
Last year, France won the World Cup, Keot was in all 7 games (6 games) but did not score a single goal. 36 years old, he was originally going to be the back-up for Bensma this year, but he was appointed to take up the role, and he scored 2 goals in the first game. 51 goals in France, tying the record of legendary striker Henri, and becoming the most scored in France's history.
advancement
It's only a matter of time before Chiote takes over the throne.
