Australia scores fastest goal against France at World Cup since Manchester United legend Bryan Robson and Lucas Hernandez become latest blow

France was shocked as it returned to Australia and lost Lucas Hernandez to injury in their opening game of the World Cup – but that only kicked them into high gear.

The first goal came after eight minutes and 23 seconds from 30-year-old Adelaide United striker Craig Goodwin as he kicked the ball past Hugo Llloris at the far post to score the fastest ever World Cup goal against France since Bryan Robson in 1982.

Things got even worse for Les Bleus with Hernandez picking up a nasty injury and forced off the pitch to be replaced by his brother Theo Hernandez.

Didier Deschamps’ side were named among the favorites to go all the way in Qatar and a clash against the Socceroos was seen as a near-formality due to their strength from depth.

The world champions quickly showed their quality by overturning the first half with quick goals from Adrien Rabiot and Olivier Giroud.

However, according to Stuart Peace, Australia’s goal was one he saw coming and served as a warning to France.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “The French paid the penalty for not pressing in any way. They just passed it around at will.

“It wasn’t as easy an ending as you think. The ball was bouncing, and when you’re expected to score, it’s never that simple. It could be a double risk with Hernandez’s injury.

France suffered a number of injury problems, losing Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema ahead of the tournament.

Although they eventually reversed the first half, the Blues are now sweating over left-back Hernandez after he appeared to twist his knee in the build-up to Australia’s goal.