Photo: Reuters

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud was on the scoresheet as France comfortably beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up clash.

Giroud bundled in the opener just before half-time after his initial header had been blocked on the line.

The goal against Ireland is Giroud’s 31st goal for France, making him France’s joint fourth-highest scorer of all time alongside France legend Zinedine Zidane. Only David Trezeguet (34), Michel Platini (41) and Thierry Henry (51) have scored more.