Under-appreciated Giroud’s goes past Henry’s French record as Les Bleus outclass Poland for World Cup quarterfinal spot

France’s Olivier Giroud, left, and France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrate after scoring their side’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between France and Poland, at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

The night, undeniably, belonged to Kylian Mbappe. But it also belonged to Olivier Giroud. Years later, when one revisits the match, hymns would be sung in praise of Mbappe, his greatness reasserted. Giroud would then be a footnote, or an afterthought. But that has been Giroud’s fate. To be, literally and metaphorically, operating in the shadows.

Even the moment he went past Thierry Henry as France’s most prolific goalscorer would be forgotten. But that was perhaps the most emotional moment of the game, besides being its most definitive moment, in that it released the nervous tension that was simmering among the French. (READ MORE)