06 June, 2017
Olivier Giroud of France, center, jubilates as he scores the first goal against Paraguay during their friendly soccer match, in Rennes, western France, Friday, June 2, 2017.
Olivier Giroud bagged a hat-trick as France thumped Paraguay 5-0 in an global friendly on Friday evening.
Arsenal striker Giroud, playing in his favoured central forward position, struck twice before the interval and once in the second half to lead France to an emphatic victory in Rennes.
Giroud headed a Dembele cross over after five minutes, but the Arsenal man had less than 60 seconds to wait before making the most of his next opportunity.
Substitute Alexandre Lacazette broke to set up Moussa Sissoko for a simple tap-in before Griezmann rounded out the scoring after Silva's fumble fell to him in front of an open goal (77').
The Arsenal striker became the first France worldwide to score a treble since David Trezeguet achieved the feat in 2000.
The night was also an important milestone for Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who became France's most capped goalkeeper with 88 appearances - one ahead of Fabien Barthez.
"And he produces this sort of display even when he's had a hard season with his club". But he is now firmly first choice and took his internationally tally to 26 goals in 62 games.
Griezmann smashed home a fifth a minute after Sissoko's strike following a defensive mix-up to complete the rout for France and ensure he remains in the headlines following a busy week.
Assessing the challenge lying ahead next week in Stockholm Deschamps added: "As we are facing a team just behind us in the table a good or very good result over there will place us in an even better situation to qualify for the World Cup".
