Kylian Mbappé-led France hammer Australia in FIFA World Cup opener in Qatar – as it happened

It’s a sad morning for Socceroos fans, but the World Cup rolls on.

Here’s what’s coming up tonight (all times AEDT):

• 21.00: Morocco vs Croatia
• 12:00: Germany vs Japan
• 03.00: Spain vs Costa Rica
• 06.00: Belgium vs Canada

The blog will be back tomorrow morning. See you then.

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Two games to save our World Cup.

The minus 3 goal difference hurts – but all the Socceroos can do now is get the best possible results from the next two games. Times are AEDT.

• 21.00 Saturday 26 November: Tunisia vs Australia
• 02.00 Thursday 1 December: Australia v Denmark

Work to do for the Socceroos

Here is Craig Goodwin:

“Mixed emotions, because in the end we lose the game.

“An incredibly proud moment, scoring was an amazing feeling.”

The goal, he says, was “pure elation”.

“Scoring any goal is a joy, but scoring in a World Cup against the reigning champions is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.

“But we have two more games and we have to do the best we can.

“It’s a very short turnaround and we have to prepare for the game against Tunisia.”

Here’s coach Graham Arnold on the loss:

“They are a quality side. They are world champions for a reason.

“The first half we did well, the second half we ran out of steam a bit.

He says the team will be ready to face Tunisia next time.

“We’ll get the boys for sure.”

Unfortunately, some France fans were targeted with bottles.

A humiliating loss for Australia against a VERY classy French outfit.

The Socceroos did well in parts of this game, particularly in the early stages – resulting in Goodwin’s goal – but it also felt like France were always in a different gear.

The scoreline feels about right for the balance of the game. It could have been better, but it could also have been worse for the Socceroos. Minus 3 in the for/against column is not ideal, but Denmark and Tunisia still have to play against France as well.

90+5′

The game has spun a bit, so hopefully the yellow won’t come back to haunt Mooy in later games.

Australia are reeling from a 4-1 loss here.

90′ France 4 – 1 Australia

Marcus Thuram almost heads a corner right after entering. It’s saved on the line by Ryan.

The Socceroos will be hoping this isn’t one of those epic spells of extra time.

7 minutes – it’s quite stressful.

Another header on goal from France, this time Hernandez hits it straight at Ryan.

84′ France 4 – 1 Australia

They don’t seem to be in any rush to increase their tally – but at the same time, it doesn’t look like it will take much pace for them to trouble the Aussies again.

Degenek and Baccus come in for Australia for Irvine and Atkinson.

78′ France 4 – 1 Australia

Good little passing combination from Australia and France commits the error.

There is a good spot for Mooy, just outside the box on the right. However, his cross is well dealt with and the Socceroos are back to building from defence.

Irvine incurs a yellow card after many ugly fouls.

McGree and Goodwin retire. Great opportunity for these next generation players to show what they can do, despite the tough match situation.

This is getting ugly for the Socceroos now.

Mbappé absolutely skinned Atkinson down the left before his cross landed perfectly on the head of Giroud – who becomes France’s all-time top scorer.

That goal really illustrates the class between these two sides – the defenders seemed helpless to stop it.

It came.

Griezmann almost scored moments earlier, but Mbappé shot his target and leaped high to head in a header from a cross from the right.

The Socceroos were really under the pump there, with France’s forwards lurking in the box just waiting for the right ball.

Tough period to end the game now.

59′ France 2 – 1 Australia

France don’t look too worried, but the Socceroos have generally done well in this second half. They enjoy some possession and create the odd attacking threat. France will of course be relaxed with the current scoreline and happy to go in for the kill when the opportunity presents itself.

But if the Socceroos can stay within one goal until the final 10 minutes, it will make the French nervous.

And France almost gets the third goal after a one-two on the edge of the field. Mbappé’s shot is just smothered.

55′ France 2 – 1 Australia

Jason Cummings that is. It will excite fans of the cult figure.

A good period of possession for Australia, though, who work the ball across the park.

But it ends with Duke hacking Dembele and getting a yellow card.

And here he is, replacing Duke. Can he pull a Cahill or Aloisi here?

50′ France 2 – 1 Australia

The handsome Frenchman almost scores a beautiful goal, but his bicycle kick bounces wide. It came after a positive period for France, on the back of good work from Theo Hernandez down the left.