Olivier Giroud equals the legendary Zinedine Zidane’s international record as he sits fourth on France’s all-time scorers list
Chelsea striker scored the only goal of the game from the spot in Les Bleus' narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday
OLIVIER GIROUD has equalled the legendary Zinedine Zidane's record for France.
The Chelsea striker scored the only goal of the game from the spot in Les Bleus' narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday.
It has taken the 32-year-old's international tally to 33 in 87 matches - two more than Zizou.
But 12 of those have come after 30th birthday and according to Opta, no French player has scored more after turning 30 since World War 2.
Zidane also hit the same milestone but Giroud will be expected to surpass his total.
The ex-Real Madrid boss, 46, earned 108 caps for his country over a 22-year spell and scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final in France's 3-0 win over Brazil.
He was also crowned Uefa's Player of the Tournament two years later when France won Euro 2000.
Giroud has scored four times in a major tournament with one at the 2014 World Cup and three in Euro 2016.
He sits fourth in France's all-time top scorers list and needs just two more to surpass David Trezeguet.
But his club form hasn't been so prolific as he still awaits his first Premier League goal of the season despite making nine appearances.
With strike partner Alvaro Morata favoured to lead the line it has sparked rumours of a January switch away from Stamford Bridge.
But Giroud is determined to stay and fight for his place.
Record goals for France
Thierry Henry - 51 (123 apps)
Michel Platini - 41 (72 apps)
David Trezeguet - 34 (71 apps)
Olivier Giroud - 33 (87 apps)
Zinedine Zidane - 31 (108 apps)
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Speaking to Telefoot, he said: "I feel like it is as if we are where we were several months ago when I was being asked the same questions before the World Cup.
"Today, I am calm, happy with this World Cup title. I relativise a lot of things.
"I don’t need to put myself under more pressure than that. Of course, I am a competitor and I would like more playing time.
"But I am in a very big club, with very big players. I am going to fight and for the moment, it is not a question about seeking a departure.
"I am going to stick in there and do not count on me to give up."