France manager Didier Deschamps’ decision to take off Olivier Giroud in the first half of the World Cup final has come under scrutiny.
The defending champions were quickly put on the back foot by Argentina, who took a 2-0 lead after playing a flawless first half.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring after Angel Di Maria was brought down by France’s Ousmane Dembele in the box.
Messi converted from the penalty spot to give Argentina the lead and overtake Kylian Mbappe as the leading goal scorer in the tournament.
Argentina rammed home the advantage when Di Maria finished off a sublime counterattacking goal as his teammates weaved their way down the right edge.
But it was a different story for France, who struggled in attack — becoming the first side ever to not attempt a shot in the first half of a World Cup.
Striker Kylian Mbappe only had 11 touches in the first 45 minutes.
Conscious of not letting the game slip away, Deschamps made the bold call to substitute the mercurial Giroud at the 40-minute mark.
Giroud was less than impressed by the decision, trudging off the field and slamming a water bottle down in anger.
The striker and Dembele was substituted for Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram in a pair of rare first half changes.
Giroud is France’s all-time leading goal scorer and has slotted four goals at the World Cup, including a crucial header against England in the quarterfinal.
The 36-year-old has been in career best form in Qatar, so the decision to take him off with more than half the World Cup final remaining raised eyebrows.
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett at the Lusail Stadium said: “The crowd is still murmuring from the quality of that Di Maria goal.
“Even the Argentina fans are quietened by it – they’re a bit stunned at this lead, you feel.
“A double change for France too, very very early. Deschamps has seen enough.
“It’s amazing that Dembele and Giroud are replaced before half time, when France are desperate for goals!
“Giroud is furious. He’s thrown his top down in anger, and a water bottle.”