No Karim Benzema. No N’Golo Kante. No Paul Pogba. No problem.

The Socceroos took a shock early lead through a great goal scored by Craig Goodwin lashing a ball past Hugo Lloris after Natthew Leckie basically skinned Lucas Hernandez, leaving him writhing in pain, sliding in a diagonal to the unmarked Adelaide United forward. For a moment it looked as if the Saudis would have competition for the upset of the World Cup. We dared to dream.

But after that early shock, the Socceroos had to withstand a barrage of attacks with Kylian Mbappe rampant on the left leaving Nathan Atkinson in the dust time after time. Adrian Rabiot, eschewed his reputation as a prima donna head case and provided some stellar moments with a beautifully headed equalizer and then a nicely weighted assist for Oliver Giroud’s 50th international goal. The ex- Arsenal striker added another before Mbappe completed the misery for the boys Down Under.

The scoreline could have been worse but for France’s profligacy with Mbappe fluffing a number of chances and Matt Ryan and the Socceroo defenders coming up with some key saves and blocks. This match showcased France’s extraordinary and unmatched talent, Didier Deschamps had on disposal the likes of KIngsley Coman, Eduardo Camavinga, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, and Theo Hernandez who seamlessly replaced the injured Lucas Hernandez. Now, they have to marry this talent with a winning temperament and this side should go far. From their display the days of France’s ill fated and bitter 2010 World Cup campaign that led to their crashing out at the group stage are a part of a bitter but increasingly distant memory. This side does not have Raymond Domemech, a weak and polarizing manager under whom Patrice Evra and Nicolas Anelka, already divisive dressing room figures became full fledged saboteurs.