The UEFA qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup resumed on Friday night as Sweden played host to France in what was a clash between second and first in Group A.
With France unbeaten after five games they headed to Stockholm high on confidence, but Didier Deschamps raised a few eyebrows with his decision to start Arsenal man Olivier Giroud ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Alexander Lacazette. But the 98 World Cup winner is a big fan of Giroud, and his faith was quickly rewarded.
Shortly before half-time Giroud unleashed a thumping volley right into the top corner to give his side the lead.
The alternative angles are extra-delicious...
The touch, the swerve... Calm down Olivier!
What an incredible strike, it's clear that Giroud's bright end of the season and indeed his outstanding international form has given him the confidence to pull something like that out of the bag.
Olivier Giroud's recent record for France:
17 starts ?
17 goals ⚽️
Delivers for his country. ?? pic.twitter.com/7uLGJWHxH3— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 9, 2017
The celebrations were short-lived as Sweden managed to equalise before half-time, but from our perspective the importance of the result flew out the window when that volley hit the back of the net.
