Team-mates of Olivier Giroud's say he brings far more to the party than you might realise. He certainly did on Sunday night, taking centre stage in Paris.
Giroud's stunning volley saw him edge one goal ahead of the talismanic Zinedine Zidane's 31 for France and further underline his importance to the world champions.
The winner over Holland, scored 16 minutes from time, was truly sublime. Giroud bought space in front of Virgil van Dijk to meet Benjamin Mendy's wicked delivery, exquisitely angling past Jasper Cillessen. It was a real moment of quality and a fitting way to bypass Zidane's haul.
France claimed their first ever win in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night as they beat Holland at the Stade de France
Nineteen-year-old forward Kylian Mbappe scored the opening goal for the world champions after 14 minutes of play in Paris
Teenager Mbappe tapped home from close range after Blaise Matuidi (far right) had capitalised on a poor defensive header
The Chelsea striker is often derided but not by those who know him best. Even with all that quality coursing through Didier Deschamps' team, Giroud remains there leading the line. His presence means they can go short via the irresistible pairing of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe but also more direct.
Giroud gives them an added dimension and he rightly took the plaudits. Thirty-two goals in 82 internationals is a fine achievement.
And Deschamps really needed his intervention in the Nations League on Sunday. Mbappe had tapped in Blaise Matuidi's cross on 14 minutes but Holland struck back through Ryan Babel midway through the second half.
Ronald Koeman's side looked at home against the elite for the first time in a long time. So Giroud's finish, fabulously twisting his hips to convert the corss, meant the homecoming was not bittersweet.
France's first game back was an extravagant celebration, from the two golden stars fashioned in the Stade de France stands to symbolise two World Cup victories in 20 years, to the parade of the trophy afterwards.
Mbappe raised both of his arms in the air as he celebrated another goal for his country after hitting four at the World Cup
Winger Ryan Babel, formerly of Liverpool but now on the books at Turkish outfit Besiktas, drew Holland level on 67 minutes
Babel hit a low shot beyond goalkeeper Alphonse Areola who will feel a bit disappointed that he allowed it inside his near post
The rendition of 'La Marseillaise' felt even more atmospheric than ever, a huge banner lay on the pitch reading 'Champions Du Monde' revelling in their exploits over in Russia.
It will be intriguing to see how much responsibility Deschamps places on Giroud over the next two years and this might offer a decent indication.
Mbappe is already their jewel but appears to be thriving by playing off the 31-year-old. Mbappe's explosiveness makes France such an unpredictable force and he is being allowed to roam free. Physically strong while nimble across the ground, the Paris Saint-Germain striker constantly looks unplayable.
If he cannot do it – missing a number of opportunities – then it turns out the old head can instead. Giroud's finish made the parading of the World Cup trophy at the Stade de France far more satisfying afterwards.
The Holland team mobbed Babel, who was wearing the No 11 on his shirt and shorts, to celebrate his second-half leveller
But the Dutch celebrations were short-lived because France were soon back in front thanks to Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud
Mbappe wrapped his arms around Giroud's neck after the former Arsenal frontman had netted after 75 minutes in Paris
Paul Pogba (left) congratulated Giroud, who has now scored more international goals than France legend Zinedine Zidane
https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/10/france-2-1-holland-olivier-giroud-strikes-late-in-uefa-nations-league/
Main photo article Team-mates of Olivier Giroud’s say he brings far more to the party than you might realise. He certainly did on Sunday night, taking centre stage in Paris.
Giroud’s stunning volley saw him edge one goal ahead of the talismanic Zinedine Zidane’s 31 for France and further...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Sport HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/09/09/20/4FF301BF00000578-0-image-a-59_1536521012581.jpg
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