France striker Olivier Giroud was substituted before half-time during France's 2022 FIFA World Cup final defeat to Argentina on Sunday – here is how Les Bleus' all-time record goalscorer reacted.
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The South American giants found themselves two goals ahead by the 36th minute at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, forcing Didier Deschamps to look to his bench earlier than he might have anticipated.
Giroud and Ousmane Dembele were replaced by Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani in the 41st minute, a decision that drew a furious reaction from the European country's record scorer.
The 36-year-old, who had reportedly been nursing a knock, was seen throwing a water bottle to the ground before taking a seat, perhaps frustrated with his side's performance up until that moment of the game.
Giroud's reaction to getting subbed off before halftime ?? pic.twitter.com/uBq7gmizyY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2022
France did eventually get back into the match with a late brace from Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, sending the final to extra-time.
Lionel Messi thought he had scored the winner in the 108th minute, but it was Mbappe again who converted from the penalty spot two minutes from time to make sure the encounter would be decided by a shootout.
Heroics from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and accurate finishing from 12 yards ensured Argentina's third World Cup triumph in a final many consider the greatest in the tournament's history.
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