France coach Didier Deschamps praises Olivier Giroud's impact

French national team manager Didier Deschamps has hailed the contribution of Olivier Giroud in helping France find form towards the end stages of the World Cup qualifiers. 

The Arsenal striker was impressive in a friendly against Australia on Friday as he scored a brace, and played a part in Joona Toivio's own goal which helped the Les Bleus earn a 3-0 victory over Finland on Tuesday.

Having secured a playoff spot following the victory over Ukraine, France will face one of the group runners-up over two legs for a berth in the World Cup next year in Brazil.

"There was good teamwork in our attack," Deschamps said.


"Olivier Giroud had an important impact, a good presence, and he scored even the second goal even if he had been helped by the defender. 

"Olivier is valuable when he works like that."