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As the World Cup holders France laid down an ominous marker to their rivals by sweeping Australia aside, the evergreen Olivier Giroud took on the starring role with ease, even though he was understudy to an A-list.
Only for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema to be ruled out of the tournament after suffering a thigh injury shortly after arriving here, the original place in France coach's plans was as back-up.
Four years ago, when France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the World Cup, he was in a good place.
The 36-year-old once again used the platform to demonstrate his enduring quality with two goals and deliver further proof that he is one of the most under appreciated strikers of his generation.
The brilliant Kylian Mbappe, who scored one, had a hand in two more and played with the sort of smile on his face that will send shivers through France's future opponents, played with the sort of smile on his face that will send shivers through France's future
One of the sport's great global names and his World Cup opening was in stark contrast to another of that elite group, Lionel Messi, who suffered the embarrassment of being part of the Argentina side who had fallen victim to one of the tournament's biggest shocks.
Australia briefly threatened another surprise when they took the lead, but with Mbappe tormentor from the first whistle and Giroud slipping into his role to perfect, it was never going to last as the 4-1 score confirms.
France's record scorer with 51 goals was put up for grabs by the two goals that Mbappe was involved in. He made it 2-1 with an audacious backheel and a simple finish.
He got off the mark himself in this World Cup with a neat headed goal for France's third, before crossing for his teammate to finish off a very impressive opening goal from the reigning champion.
The headline-grabber will be Kylian Mbappe, but he has always been happy in the shadows.
Even though he has had to fight to get the credit he deserves, his career is a testament to his quality. Late on in his playing career, the true worth of this intelligent forward has been recognized.
He played a role in the squad that won the European Championship under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.
He moved to AC Milan after winning the Serie A title.
When the replacements have the experience and track record of Giroud, it's little wonder that Deschamps was so calm about the absences.
He is without Benzema, Presnel Kimpembe, Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante.
This was a strong statement of intent that France will not give up their title easily.
It didn't matter as Mbappe hit the ground running and the rest of the team did a great job of attacking.
France lost to Switzerland on penalties in the last 16 of the Euro 2020 tournament. They are going to make up for it in the Middle East.
He put all the recent upheaval and speculation about his future at Paris St-Germain to one side.
He looked happy in his work as a part of the France team that took a bow in front of their fans after the final whistle.
After his record-equalling goal, the extent of what he brings to the table was appreciated by supporters who have traveled out to Qatar with high expectations.
The holders had a great night. If the performances of Giroud and Mbappe are a measure of what is to come, it will be a bad one.
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