France were poor and quite fortunate to get the better of Australia 2-1, including the first ever World Cup penalty assigned using VAR.
This Bleus side was packed with talent, but disorganised and strangely sluggish, failing to create many genuine chances. If anything, Hugo Lloris had the toughest save of the first half, palming ex-Inter man Trent Sainsbury’s flick from a free kick round the base of the post.
France were poor and quite fortunate to get the better of Australia 2-1, including the first ever World Cup penalty assigned using VAR.
This Bleus side was packed with talent, but disorganised and strangely sluggish, failing to create many genuine chances. If anything, Hugo Lloris had the toughest save of the first half, palming ex-Inter man Trent Sainsbury’s flick from a free kick round the base of the post.
The first use of VAR in a World Cup came at the start of the second half. Griezmann was clear on goal when he went down after a last-ditch Joshua Risdon tackle and while play was initially waived on, the Uruguayan referee asked to view it again. Risdon seemed to get something on the ball before clipping the trailing foot, but the referee still opted for a penalty – converted by Griezmann – and yellow card.
Incredibly, moments later Samuel Umtiti stuck up a fist to flick on an Australian free kick and gift them a penalty. Mile Jedinak stroked it in confidently to earn a deserved equaliser.
Technology was used again for the third goal, as ex-Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba saw his shot come off the underside of the bar and bounce just over the line with the aid of a deflection.
France 2-1 Australia
Griezmann pen 58 (F), Jedinak 62 (A), Pogba 81 (F)
France: Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Tolisso (Matuidi 78), Kante, Pogba; Dembele (Fekir 70), Mbappé, Griezmann (Giroud 70)
Australia: Ryan; Risdon, Milligan, Sainsbury, Behich; Leckie, Jedinak, Mooy, Kruse (Arzani 84); Rogic (Irvine 71); Nabbout (Juric 64)
Ref: Cunha (URU)