‘Defending Champion’ France Advances to Quarterfinals... Defeats Poland 3-1

'52 A-Match Goals' Giroud Surpasses Henry to Become France's All-Time Top Scorer
Challenging Back-to-Back World Cup Titles Despite Key Players' Mass Injuries

On the afternoon of the 4th (local time) at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup Round of 16 match between France and Poland, France's Olivier Giroud is seen celebrating after scoring a goal. Photo by EPA

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The 'defending champion' France advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Poland, thanks to the performance of Olivier Giroud (AC Milan).

On the 5th (Korean time), in the round of 16 match between France and Poland at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, France secured their spot in the quarterfinals by beating Poland 3-1 with a goal from Olivier Giroud and a multi-goal performance from Kylian Mbapp? (Paris Saint-Germain).

Notably, Giroud scored his 52nd goal in international matches during this game, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a French player in international matches, previously held by Thierry Henry (51 goals).

With this victory, France has successfully reached the quarterfinals in three consecutive tournaments since the 2014 Brazil World Cup. France will face the winner of the England-Senegal round of 16 match on the 11th at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

On the other hand, Poland, who finished second in Group C (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss), advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in 36 years since the 1986 Mexico World Cup but had to leave the tournament with regret.

Poland's star striker Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) scored a goal from a penalty kick just before the end of the match, but this will likely mark his final World Cup appearance as Poland was eliminated in the round of 16.

The match saw France leading the attack early on, while Poland increased their possession to create a close contest. The opening goal came from France. In the 44th minute of the first half, Giroud received a pass from Mbapp? and connected with a left-footed shot inside the penalty area, shaking Poland's net.

Leading 1-0, France continued their momentum as Mbapp? scored two goals in the 74th minute and stoppage time. Mbapp?'s fifth goal of the tournament put him at the top of the scoring chart.

Before the World Cup, France faced concerns about the 'defending champion's curse.' Key players such as Paul Pogba (Juventus), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig), and N'Golo Kant? (Chelsea) were excluded from the squad due to injuries.

Additionally, Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), who won this year's Ballon d'Or as the best player, was ruled out of the World Cup due to a left thigh injury sustained on the 20th of last month, raising fears that the defending champion's curse might be repeated due to the loss of key players.

The 'defending champion's curse' refers to the jinx where the previous World Cup winner struggles or performs poorly in the following tournament.

However, France overcame the crisis and advanced to the round of 16 as the top team in Group D with 2 wins and 1 loss. Having left a strong impression with their sharp attacking power and even defeating Lewandowski's Poland, France is expected to continue their challenge for the championship once again.