Euro 2012: Olivier Giroud Makes Case to Start for France This Summer

The heralded "1987 generation" consisting of Jeremy Menez, Hatem ben Arfa, Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri—all born in that year—shared the bulk of the praise following Sunday's France—Ireland friendly.

The friendly in Valenciennes marked the first time those four had shared the pitch together at the senior level, and their potentials were on full display.

Ben Arfa, Benzema and Nasri engaged in a mesmerizing bit of link-up play on the edge of the area at the end of the first half, resulting in Nasri playing Benzema through to goal with a neat, Arsenal-esque pass. It resulted in Benzema firing venomously at the keeper.

Yet for all their prodigy in the attacking third, it was another attacking player who ended up making the greatest impression in the eventual 3-2 victory for Les Bleus.

Olivier Giroud was born one year ahead of that heralded generation (Sept. 30, 1986), and while he was not in the side populated by those now famous names who won the 2004 U-17 European Championships, he is well on his way to rivaling them for notoriety.

Giroud led Ligue 1 last season with 21 goals, helping lead Montpellier to its first-ever L1 title. A move to a continental power is expected later this summer, with Arsenal emerging as the latest club to express interest in acquiring his services.

If he adapts to his next club with the same alacrity he's shown in his initial appearances for the French national team, Europe could be in for a barnstorming season from the man who was plying his trade in the French second division as recently as the 2009-2010 season.

Giroud earned his first call-up to Laurent Blanc's side last November ahead of friendlies with the United States and Belgium. He made his first appearance in the national colors against the U.S.

Blanc had spoken of Giroud's qualities then, calling him an "atypical striker," and said that he enjoys having a player of that register in his side.

It was an apt description. Giroud has shown an ability to score in any number of ways.

His aerial prowess is unquestioned, and he possesses a fierce determination in the goal mouth area that allows him to, sometimes inexplicably, get on the end of low crosses he should have no right to.

He finds a way to put goals in the back of the net.

Giroud was once more included in the French squad for its next friendly, following that November batch against Germany at the end of February. He rewarded Blanc for his faith, scoring France's opening goal on a well-placed sliding finish from 12 feet out. 

It was that predatory finish, combined with an uncanny ability to link-up play, that made Giroud a lock to make the French roster for the European Championships.

With the in-form Karim Benzema ahead of him in the forward pecking order, and with room for only one striker in Blanc's 4-2-3-1 formation, many wondered how big an effect Giroud would be allowed to have in Poland and Ukraine. He seemed destined for the role of super sub.

On Sunday, he threw a wrench into Blanc's lineup formulations. Entering play in the 59th minute, it took Giroud some time to enter into the match.

When he did, he did so with a vengeance.

David Wall kept track of Giroud's production in the match and noted that he attempted five passes. All came in the penalty area, all were completed and two led to assists for the Franck Ribery and Adil Rami goals that sent France into the ascendancy.

Giroud's impact was such that many journalists began searching for ways that Blanc might include both he and Benzema in the starting lineup.

The most popular choice that emerged was employing Giroud as the center forward and Benzema as the roaming attacking midfielder or support striker behind him.

Blanc is entertaining the idea of pairing the two together despite their different characteristics. Benzema may be the smoother technician to Giroud's atypical style, but both can score and score often. (Benzema had 32 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid last season.)

That Giroud has even sparked this debate is a testament to the meteoric ascension he's enjoyed since the 2011-2012 campaign kicked off. Back in August, few would have fathomed he'd be in this position.

Then again, many had wondered whether he'd adapt to Ligue 1 after joining Montpellier from Tours in 2010.

Lesson learned: it's foolish to doubt Olivier Giroud.