Tottenham shotstopper Hugo Lloris lauded two-goal Olivier Giroud, 36, for replacing World Cup absentee Karim Benzema so brilliantly.
Giroud’s two goals in France’s World Cup win over Australia took him to 51 international goals, level with fellow ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry on the French record of 51.
France captain Lloris said: “Unfortunately we lost Karim Benzema to injury and we were all very sad, but Olivier deserves a lot of credit because he is an example in football because he never gives up.
“In the last few months he was in, then out of the national team but in the end you can always count on him.
“It’s a big achievement to equal Thierry Henry’s record and hopefully now he will go ahead.
“For all the team it’s a good start and for a striker it’s always good to start with two goals. He’s going to be full of confidence.”
