A record-breaking goal by striker Olivier Giroud just before halftime has given France a 1-0 lead over Poland at Al Thumama, and left the French, the defending World Cup champions, 45 minutes from the quarterfinals.
Giroud’s goal, a slick finish off a wonderfully threaded lead pass from Kylian Mbappé, was his 52nd for France, breaking a tie with Thierry Henry for first place on the national team’s career list.
The goal capped a half that was more even than might have been expected: Poland had several excellent chances and an even share of the possession. Late in the half, it nearly opened the scoring itself, failing only when a frantic French defense cleared three shots off the goal line in quick succession.