Giroud scores landmark goal as France beat Ireland
Soccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 France’s Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Charles Platiau
PARIS (Reuters) - France started their preparations for the World Cup with a solid 2-0 friendly win over Ireland on Monday as Olivier Giroud scored a landmark goal.
Giroud netted the opener to join Zinedine Zidane as France's fourth highest all-time leading goalscorer and Nabil Fekir claimed the second before the break as Les Bleus kept their first clean sheet in four games.
They also have scored two goals or more in their last six matches.
Soccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 France’s Nabil Fekir in action with Republic of Ireland's Derrick Williams and Declan Rice REUTERS/Charles Platiau
France will take on Australia, Denmark and Peru in World Cup Group C. Ireland have not qualified for the finals.
France coach Didier Deschamps left his best striker Antoine Griezmann on the bench with Fekir starting alongside Giroud and Kylian Mbappe and the decision paid off.
Giroud scored his 31st goal in 72 internationals in the 40th minute. His header from Fekir's corner was saved on the line by Colin Doyle but the Chelsea striker poked in the rebound.
Soccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 Republic of Ireland's Colin Doyle in action with Shane Duffy and France’s Steven N’Zonzi REUTERS/Charles Platiau
Only Thierry Henry (51), Michel Platini (41) and David Trezeguet (34) have scored more goals for France.
Three minutes later, Doyle's error helped Fekir double the tally with a powerful shot from just inside the box.
Ireland failed to muster a single attempt on target until stoppage time, when France keeper Steve Mandanda denied Shaun Williams.
Soccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 France’s Olivier Giroud in action with Republic of Ireland's Shane Duffy REUTERS/Charles Platiau
(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ed Osmond)
Soccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 Republic of Ireland players form a defensive wall REUTERS/Charles PlatiauSoccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 France’s Blaise Matuidi shoots at goal REUTERS/Charles PlatiauSoccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 France’s Olivier Giroud scores their first goal REUTERS/Charles PlatiauSoccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 France’s Nabil Fekir celebrates scoring their second goal with Kylian Mbappe REUTERS/Charles PlatiauSoccer Football - International Friendly - France vs Republic of Ireland - Stade de France, Paris, France - May 28, 2018 France’s Kylian Mbappe reacts REUTERS/Charles Platiau
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