Kylian Mbappe France Australia 2022-23Getty Images

WATCH: Kylian Mbappe has lift-off! PSG star nets France's third goal as Les Bleus pull away from Australia in World Cup group game

  • Australia had taken shock lead
  • Mbappe made it 3-1 in second half
  • Header was 23-year-old's first of tournament

WHAT HAPPENED? Mbappe's snap shot across the Australia goal initially flew well wide but was picked up by Ousmane Dembele on the France right. He whipped in a teasing cross which Mbappe met at pace, firing home a fine header that crashed in off the post and putting Les Blues 3-1 up and firmly in control.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The goal was the 23-year-old's first of the tournament, which both he and France fans will be hoping is one of many in Qatar. Australia had shocked the holders by going 1-0 up within nine minutes, but first-half goals from Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud restored order in the Al-Janoub Stadium, before the latter equalled Thierry Henry's France tally of 51 goals to make it 4-1.

WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE? After cruising to victory on opening day, France will go on to face Denmark on Saturday, after Kasper Huljmand's side played out a 0-0 draw in their Group D opener against Mexico.

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