World Cup Update: Giroud's milestone goal, Mbappe masterclass send France through

Olivier Giroud's strike against Poland crowns him as the all time top scorer for France as Le Blues advance to the quarter finals of the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Poland. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

France has effectively banished the fears around the defending champions as Le Bleus surged into the quarter finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Coach Didier Deschamps returned with a familiar line up against Poland on Sunday and had to endure an indifferent start that saw the Polish side stand toe-to-toe with France and had they taken their chances, it may have been a lot more difficult for the defending champions.

End to end stuff followed but Kyllian Mbappe proved the difference late on in the first half as he set up Olivier Giroud for the opener; the goal was a milestone one for the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker as he is now the all-time highest goal scorer for France ahead of Thierry Henry.

Poland came out smoking in the second half and Hugo Lloris had to thwart their advances. Mbappe settled some nerves with a crisp finish that beat the impressive Wocjei Sczcesny in the Polish goal midway into the second half.

Mbappe scored again later in the half for his fifth of the tournament but Poland would have the final say in the game. The referee pointed to the spot after a VAR review disagreed with his on field call and Robert Lewandowski stepped up to take the penalty.

The Barcelona striker had missed a penalty in the group stage against Mexico and if that was important, the one against Le Bleus was just a consolation as it would be the last kick of the game. Lewandowski missed again.

Replays showed Lloris left his line before the kick and the big Pole got a second chance. Same runs, different outcome. 3-1 it ended and France will now advance to play England in the quarter finals on Saturday.