Socceroo fans dismayed after France ‘dominate’ Aussies in World Cup opener

The Australian Socceroos have been dealt a devastating blow in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, November 23 after a disastrous 4-1 loss to France.

Although the Socceroos came out strong at the beginning of the match with an early goal from Craig Goodwin within the first 10 minutes, France’s Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud were quick to strike back securing the reigning champions a 2-1 lead over the Aussies as the first half drew to a close.

Increased pressure from the French side saw the Aussie’s defence come unstuck in the second half, allowing French superstar Kylian Mbappe to increase the lead to 3-1.

A mere three minutes later Olivier Giroud scored his second goal with a header, securing France’s 4-1 victory.

FT | Defeat to France in our opening #FIFAWorldCup fixture.

Next up: Tunisia on Saturday. #GiveIt100 #Socceroos pic.twitter.com/Zkwi5iMFIH

— Socceroos (@Socceroos) November 22, 2022

The criticism of Australia’s performance came in thick and fast with Socceroos legend Harry Kewell claiming the Aussies provided an easy win for France.

“I just think if we had got them on the back foot, got the back line of France turning, we could have just caused them a little bit more trouble,” he told SBS.

“And it has turned out to be such an easy game for France.”

Fellow Socceroos icon John Aloisi said the Australians had been “completely outclassed” by France.

“Imagine how the players are feeling, because they got completely outclassed,” Aloisi said.

“We weren’t in the game after our goal. That was it, that was us done, and they completely dominated us and created chance after chance.

Fault finding was not only contained to soccer experts, die-hard fans of the game were also quick to share their thoughts on Australia’s loss with many offering their opinions on where the Aussies fell short.

I know our team isn’t the best and we’re playing the world champs but this style of play should be stamped out of Australian football. This is trash. It’s uninspiring. It’s terrible viewing. It’s not going to attract more fans to the game or get kids wanting to wear the jersey.

— Scott Mac (@SM17302970) November 22, 2022

no tactical awareness from Graham Arnold and no real creative players to start the game or even bring on after being 2-1 down. Have to make major changes to have any chances to get out the group stages smh

— HeadHvncho (@headhvnchoo) November 22, 2022

Any chance we can have some defenders fly to Qatar before our next match?

— Bags of fun (@doineed2dothis) November 22, 2022

@Socceroos Played well but could have improved on passing, build up play, tackling, shooting, heading, dribbling, scoring, marking, running, communicating, crossing, set pieces, game management, pressing and throw ins. Other than that really happy…..

— Cryptofollower Ⓥ (@cryptoballs2) November 22, 2022

Great game boys!! Fantastic 1st goal!! But after that you were a little too passive, you need to keep that Mongrel about you!!

— ???? Dougie (@doogie73) November 22, 2022

First 10 minutes showed the right approach needed against reigning world champions, then after taking the lead we stopped, became timid & so very passive on rare occasions when held possession & you simply can’t do that on the international stage. #StartAgain #WorldCupQatar2022

— Frank Coletta (@ColettaFrank) November 22, 2022

Keep it up, lads!

Focus in our 2nd game!

I still believe we can head to the knock out stage! ????????

— Renan Tavares (@RenanTavares_X) November 22, 2022

The Australians will now face off against Tunisia on Saturday, November 26.