Giroud admits he is living the dream after France make flying start
Olivier Giroud admits he is living his dream after helping France get their World Cup campaign off to a flying start in Brazil.
The 27-year-old was used off the bench in the 3-0 Group E opening win over Honduras, but he returned to the side and was among the goals in the following 5-2 demolition of Switzerland.
Giroud got the scoring underway with a powerful 17th-minute header and not only was it his first time on the scoresheet at a World Cup, it was also a landmark for France as they reached a century of goals in the tournament.
The Arsenal striker said: "I’m very proud to have scored France’s 100th goal in a World Cup.
"At the start of La Marseillaise (France’s national anthem) I nearly collapsed. The emotion was too strong.
"It was like a childhood dream. We need this to never stop.
"We are happy, we took great pleasure from the game against Switzerland. I felt the group was very committed. We are a good team.
"I didn’t imagine such a start to our World Cup. We have scored eight goals, it’s great.
"Okay, we also conceded two at the end of the game but we won’t let that spoil our mood."
Maximum points from their first two games mean that France stand on the brink of reaching the knock-out stages – something they failed to do in 2010 – as they prepare to face Ecuador in their final group game.
Giroud added: "It’s very satisfying and gives us a lot of confidence to continue.
"We want to come first and avoid one of the big guns in the next round. We must finish the job against Ecuador."
