France earned a winning start against Australia



 A VAR – assisted penalty from Griezmann and a late Paul pogba goal helped France to secure a deserved 2-1 victory over Australia.


Antoine Griezmann scored the first ever penalty given by VAR in World Cup history as France edged past Australia 2-1 in their Group C opener.

France were far from their best at the Kazan Arena, with their best attacking trio of Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele unable to ignite against a tenacious Australian outfit.

After a disjointed first half of action, the game glittered to life shortly after the break as referee Andres Cunha awarded a penalty to France after consulting VAR and deciding that Josh Risdon had clipped Griezmann just in the area.

The Atletico Madrid striker’s ferocious spot kick was cancelled out just four minutes later by another penalty, Aston Villa midfielder Mile Jidenak slotting home after Samuel Umtiti handled in the area.

Didier Deschamps’ side looked to be heading for a disappointing start to their campaign, but Manchester United Paul Pogba saw his deflected effort bounce off the crossbar and narrowly over the line with 10 minutes remaining to secure a deserved three point.

France will hope for a more energetic performance against Peru on Thursday, while Australia will look to get their campaign back on track when they face Denmark.

Les Bleus had started the game in portentous fashion, craving out three chances in the opening six minutes.

First attempt by Mbappe was denied from an acute angle by Mat Ryan before the Australia goalkeeper comfortably held a Pogba free-kick and Griezmann’s half-volley from distance in quick succession.

Australia weathered that early storm, though, and came agonisingly close to taking the lead after 17 minutes.

Aaron Mooy’s teasing free-kick from the left was diverted towards his own goal by Corentin Tolisso, but a scrambling Hugo Lloris was able to turn it around the post.

France’s early verve was sorely lacking for the remainder of the half, with Australia able to keep their more illustrious opponents comfortably at arm’s length before the break.

The game finally burst to life 10 minutes into the second half with Griezmann’s historic goal. Risdon had appeared to get away with his tackle on the marauding striker, but after a consultation with VAR the referee spotted a controversial clip on Griezmann’s heel and awarded a spot-kick.

Australia bounced back superbly from that setback, though, and were level just four minutes later.

Umtiti’s bizarre decision to handle Mooy’s free-kick allowed Jedinak to calmly stroke past Lloris for what looked like a share of spoils.

Pogba had other thoughts,though, striking a stunning effort towards goal from the edge of the box which was diverted past Ryan by Aziz Behich to get the French off to a winning start.

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