Giroud v Guivarc'h: Comparing France's misfiring forwards at the World Cup

There have been moments of symmetry between France's run to the World Cup final in Russia and their successful campaign on home soil in 1998.

Just as was the case in '98, Les Bleus qualified for the knockout rounds by finishing top of their group ahead of Denmark, who they played in their last fixture in the round-robin stage.

They also relied on a defender to book their spot in the final, with Samuel Umtiti reprising the role of Lilian Thuram - who scored twice against Croatia - with his game-winning goal against Belgium.

The captain who lifted the trophy in Paris, Didier Deschamps, now has the chance to join a select group to win the tournament as both a player and a coach, a feat only previously accomplished by Brazilian Mario Zagallo and German Franz Beckenbauer.

France also have one other similarity from 20 years ago – a striker who cannot locate the net.

Olivier Giroud has so far failed to contribute a goal during his team's route to Moscow. His dry spell has led to comparisons to Stephane Guivarc'h, who also went through a drought for Aime Jacquet's squad.

"In 1998 Guivarc'h played a good World Cup but didn't score and I think I'm doing a good World Cup," Giroud told the media ahead of Sunday's final against Croatia. "I feel like I give everything for the team and if one goal has to come then hopefully it will come and it will come on Sunday, but if we are a world champions and I don’t score, I'm okay with that."

Giroud makes a fair point, but forwards are remembered for scoring over anything else.

So, how do the campaigns of the two faltering frontmen compare? With the aid of Opta, we look at their World Cup numbers beyond the '0' in the goals column.

KNOW YOUR ROLE

Like a Broadway musical, casting is key to a successful run at a World Cup. Giroud and Guivarc'h were both selected to be the figurehead of the forward line, the focal point up top for their respective teams but still viewed as supporting actors, rather than leading men.

In the 2018 version, Giroud's presence has allowed Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann to work off their colleague. In 1998, it was Zinedine Zidane and Youri Djorkaeff who benefited from Guivarc'h occupying opposing centre-backs.

The difference comes in experience, though. Giroud's scoreless run is a surprise, considering he has played 80 international games and registered 31 goals. The 31-year-old sits level with Zidane for fourth place on his country's all-time list, with Thierry Henry, Michel Platini and David Trezeguet having scored more.

Guivarc'h, however, had won just six caps prior to France 1998 (he finished his career with 14). Unlike Giroud, he was put in a job share by Jacquet, sharing forward duties with Christophe Dugarry and Trezeguet.

LOCATING THE TARGET

Giroud has registered 13 shots in 465 minutes of action in Russia - but not one of them has been on target. Not a single one.

Sure, he serves a purpose for the side, but his agonising wait for a World Cup goal is mainly due to his profligacy - he had six efforts alone in the 1-0 semi-final victory over Belgium, yet failed to test Thibaut Courtois.

"Against Belgium I missed efficiency, luck and something to score, but hopefully I can have it for the final," the former Arsenal forward said after fluffing his lines on the big stage.

In comparison, Guivarc'h at least hit the target with three of his 16 attempts in 1998, including one in the final against Brazil. He had five without success in a knockout tie against Italy, though was replaced long before the heavyweight quarter-final went to penalties.

CREATING FOR OTHERS

When you're struggling to score, there are still other ways to contribute. Giroud's aerial prowess - he has won 18 headers so far, seven of them against Uruguay's stingy defence - is crucial, and he has created six chances.

It was his pass that set up Mbappe for France's fourth goal in the last-16 thriller against Argentina, and he clearly understands the importance of his role in a team who have prospered even without him getting a goal.

The same could be said for Guivarc'h, too. Though he failed to record an assist during his World Cup campaign, he did set up three opportunities. The Auxerre striker fed off scraps, managing 111 touches during the tournament in 1998 (Giroud has already surpassed that tally, registering 177 with a game still to go).

Guivarc'h also had competition for his spot. He did not complete 90 minutes once, often withdrawn around the hour mark as he was denied the chance to improve his statistics when games became stretched, or against tiring opposing defences.