WATCH: Craig Goodwin shocks World Cup 2022 with Australia taking lead over France

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World Cup 2022 shocks continue with Australia leading champions France

Craig Goodwin (C) celebrates with teammates after he scored the opening goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group D football match between France and Australia at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on November 22, 2022.
(Image credit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022's shocks are continuing, with Australia taking the lead against France.

Argentina lost the day's first game after Saudi Arabia stunned Lionel Messi and co. with statistically the most unlikely shock at a World Cup. Much-fancied Denmark also failed to bank three points on the first time of asking, drawing against Tunisia in the other game in France's group.

The holders of the competition, Les Bleus succumbed to a Craig Goodwin strike, with the 30-year-old Adelaide United star getting to on the end of a cross. More woe followed for head coach Didier Deschamps, as Lucas Hernandez hit the deck despite not connecting with an opponent, looking to have twisted his knee.

Goodwin, who's only been capped 10 times by the Socceroos, wasted no time in capitalising on France's problems to score a stunning opening goal. 

Bayern Munich star Hernandez was replaced by his brother Theo, who plays for AC Milan, in an early change. The injury will come as a crushing blow to Deschamps, who is already missing a number of key stars. 

The midfield pairing from 2018's triumph, both N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba have been ruled out of the 2022 edition through injury. RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku then had to withdraw from the squad after France had their named their 26-man roster.

Karim Benzema of France poses during the official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 portrait session on November 17, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

Karim Benzema of France poses during the official World Cup 2022 portrait session in Doha, Qatar (Image credit: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Perhaps the biggest loss of the lot, Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema was then sidelined for the entirety of the World Cup, giving Oliver Giroud the opportunity to lead the line for the two-time world champions. Milan striker Giroud is two goals short of Thierry Henry's all-time scoring record. 

Mike Maignan, Presnel Kimpembe and Raphael Varane have all struggled with injuries, too: only the latter has made France's squad. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.