Deschamps Defends ‘Underappreciated’ Giroud After France Heroics

French national team manager Didier Deschamps has leapt to the defence of striker Olivier Giroud after his heroics for France in their opening game of the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Chelsea striker Giroud was on target as world champions France thrashed hosts Moldova 4-1 to start their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on a winning note.

The 32-year-old was heavily criticised alongside Deschamps after his inclusion in the latest France squad for the start of the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

He was picked for the France squad ahead of in-form players like Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette and Sevilla star Wissam Ben Yedder.

In his post-match thoughts after the Moldova game, France manager Didier Deschamps revealed that his player has been unfairly criticised.

According to him, Giroud showed why he deserved his place against Moldova.

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Antoine Griezmann gave France the lead in the 24th minute off an assist from Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba before Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane added a second goal.

Giroud scored the third goal for the French team in the 36th minute to move joint third on the list of scorers for the two-time world champions.

He has scored 34 goals in 88 appearances for the French national team.

Giroud moved level with David Trezeguet and behind Mitchel Platini (41 goals) and Thierry Henry (51 goals).

Kylian Mbappe added a fourth goal in the second half while hosts Moldova got their only goal of the game through Vladimir Ambros with one minute left.