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Olivier Giroud surpasses Michel Platini to become France’s second top scorer during their international friendly against Ukraine in Paris, France, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
Olivier Giroud surpasses Michel Platini to become France’s second top scorer during their international friendly against Ukraine in Paris, France, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
For Olivier Giroud, there is no better way to celebrate his 100th appearance for France.
On an evening filled with unbridled joy and entertaining attacking football, the 34-year-old veteran forward effortlessly scored two goals in Ukraine’s 7-1 loss, becoming the second top scorer in French history by beating Michel Platini. with 42 goals.
“I am very proud; it is a great honor for me, and I am happy that it happened in my 100th international match,” said an excited Giroud, who later revealed in his post-match interview that Ukraine’s head coach, Andriy Shevchenko, had been his childhood idol.
Olivier Giroud (R) now has only Thierry Henry in front of him in France’s all-time goal records, Paris, France, October 7, 2020. / VCG
Olivier Giroud (R) now has only Thierry Henry in front of him in France’s all-time goal records, Paris, France, October 7, 2020. / VCG
“I’m excited to have made it against Shevchenko. He was one of my favorite players, if not my favorite as a teenager,” Giroud said of the trophy-laden AC Milan legend.
“I’ll keep going and see how far it goes,” added the Chelsea star.
Now the only player in front of him is Thierry Henry, who leads with 51 goals in 123 international matches. Judging from Giroud’s current good form, it won’t be long before he surpasses the former Arsenal icon.
Ukraine’s head coach Andriy Shevchenko won the Ballon d’Or in 2004. / VCG
Ukraine’s head coach Andriy Shevchenko won the Ballon d’Or in 2004. / VCG
Giroud is used to keeping a low profile and sometimes doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, but he showed the blazing fire of ambition when asked if he was targeting Henry’s track record.
“There is no limit. You have to set goals,” Giroud observed. “We’ll see when he reaches 46, 47 goals.”
It was also a historic night for Eduardo Camavinga. The Rennes star became the youngest debutant since 1914 last month with an appearance from the bench against Croatia.
Eduardo Camavinga (L) of France celebrates his goal with Dayot Upamecano during their international friendly against Ukraine in Paris, France, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
Eduardo Camavinga (L) of France celebrates his goal with Dayot Upamecano during their international friendly against Ukraine in Paris, France, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
On Wednesday, Camavinga made history again when Didier Deschamps gave him his first outing with the national team color. The youngster duly restored his coach’s confidence with a daring aerial move for the first goal, thus becoming the youngest player to score for France in 106 years.
Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann, PSG talisman Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich’s Corentin Tolisso were also on the scoreboard, culminating a wonderful outing for France.
Meanwhile, in Lisbon, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to get off the mark with a goal despite a spirited performance against Spain in front of some 2,500 home fans in the stands.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo cannot break the deadlock during his international friendly match against Spain at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo cannot break the deadlock during his international friendly match against Spain at the José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
The crash served as a test for the Portuguese authorities, as 5 percent of the José Alvalade stadium’s capacity was full, with attendees sitting apart from each other and respecting social distancing rules.
With the fans cheering him on, Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock just before the hour, but the Juventus superstar hit the crossbar with a powerful shot from inside the area.
Atlético de Madrid’s Joao Félix, who replaced Ronaldo at 73, came close to scoring a winning goal at the moment of death, but blurred his lines.
Before the match, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced that Spain and Portugal have signed an agreement to go ahead with their joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Spain hosted the World Cup once in 1982, but Portugal had never hosted a World Cup before.
Germany’s players look dejected after the international friendly match against Turkey at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
Germany’s players look dejected after the international friendly match against Turkey at RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany, on October 7, 2020. / VCG
“Few things can generate more hope and anticipation than the opportunity to host a World Cup, and we cannot think of a better partner than Portugal,” RFEF President Luis Rubiales said in a statement.
Furthermore, German midfielder Florian Neuhaus scored on his debut, but Turkey came back three times to win a 3-3 draw. It was Germany’s third straight draw and the third time in a row that they failed to win after taking the lead.
“I am disappointed and frustrated. We have had this problem for a while, and the same has happened in other games,” Germany coach Joachim Low said.
In other matches, Croatia won 2-1 away in Switzerland, while Italy thrashed Moldova 6-0. Mexico defeated new Dutch coach Frank de Boer in their first game in charge, as they enjoyed a 1-0 victory.
