At the Stade de France
"We make an appointment after this international streak, I plan to overtake the legend Michel Platini and tackle the great 'Titi' Henry."
Olivier Giroud kept his word.
Just before the gathering of the Blues, he concluded his interview at Le Figaro with a joke.
Half serious, half ironic.
Author of two goals against Ukraine Wednesday night at the Stade de France, during a health walk of the world champions (7-1), the 34-year-old striker held his rank.
Better, he became, from the top of his 100 selections, the one and only second highest scorer in the history of the selection, in front of the myth represented by Michel Platini (72 selections, 41 goals).
Statistics don't lie.
They place you a man.
Mostly a goalscorer.
Better still, they are relentless for the thirty-something.
With 42 goals on the clock, the young future dad of a fourth child next November, is only nine goals from Thierry Henry.
A challenge anything but unachievable.
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"If we put everything end to end, with Euro 2021 (June 11-July 11), I count between 10 and 15 matches, on a misunderstanding, it can work", he whispered to us last week from his London home .
Sunday, he will again be aligned against Portugal for the reunion with the executioners of the final of Euro 2016 in the League of Nations, before hoping for a new cape next Wednesday in Zagreb against the Croats.
So many opportunities that the captain of an evening for his 100th in Blue has had time to check for weeks, he who is content, for the moment, to occupy the bench more often on the side of Chelsea.
Deschamps adores it and can't do without it anymore
Wednesday evening for his reunion with Ukraine (Giroud was present in 2013 during the double confrontation in the qualifiers for the World Cup in Brazil), the principal concerned had cleverly prepared his coup.
Warned on Tuesday by Didier Deschamps of his tenure and the captain's armband in the absence of Hugo Lloris and Raphaël Varane, spared at kick-off, he took only twenty-four minutes to open his counter, with a clear strike and magnificent from the left under the bar of Buschan (2-0, 24th), before turning into a fox of surfaces to double the bet with a head at close range and pass Michel Platini (3-0, 34th).
Each time, the striker hastened to recover the ball, a way to indicate to his partners his desire to increase the score during an evening totally mastered by the world champions.
And especially not to waste time.
Bleus: Who will Olivier Giroud join in the centenarians club?
In images, in pictures
A match that should not be summarized only in these two achievements, both in the game, the former Gunner offered solutions in support of his attacking friends, Anthony Martial and Houssem Aouar.
By his discounts and his game in a touch of the ball, thus validating the confidence of Didier Deschamps in him.
Released in the 73rd minute, both to give Wissam Ben Yedder playing time and to blow in sight of Portugal, Olivier Giroud did not refuse the coach's strong embrace when returning to the sidelines.
Since 2012, he is the player that Didier Deschamps has used most often.
It's simple, the coach loves it and can not do without it.
As a symbol, Giroud is only three selections to match his coach in terms of capes in Blue.
At 34, there is no lack of goals for a player who is constantly criticized but more precious than ever to world champions.
This time the numbers are relentless.
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