Deschamps keeps faith in Griezmann after poor display

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France coach Didier Deschamps celebrates after the match REUTERS/Toru Hanai

ISTRA, Russia (Reuters) - France coach Didier Deschamps is keeping faith in Antoine Griezmann even though his leading forward produced a poor performance in the 2-1 victory over Australia in their World Cup opener on Saturday.

Griezmann, who announced he was staying at Atletico Madrid before the Group C game, failed to make an impact at the Kazan Arena, although he did score Les Bleus' opening goal with a second-half penalty.

He started alongside Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe with the experienced Olivier Giroud left on the bench.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France's Antoine Griezmann scores their first goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Sergio Perez

Giroud came on 20 minutes from time and set up Paul Pogba for the 81st-minute winner as he made his height and strength count.

"He is very important physically," said full back Lucas Hernandez. "When he is not there, you can feel his absence."

Deschamps opted for Dembele's speed, hoping he and Mbappe would form a fluid attacking line-up, but the most disappointing was Griezmann.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France's Paul Pogba and Olivier Giroud celebrate after the match REUTERS/John Sibley

"Him being replaced was a one-time decision." Deschamps told reporters on Sunday. "He is our lead forward and he will remain our lead forward. Perhaps he was not as good as usual. He must do more and he is well aware of that.

"But that does not call into question the fact that he will start on Thursday against Peru."

Les Bleus will also need Pogba to support the forwards and the midfielder knows his performances will always be heavily scrutinised.

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France's Kylian Mbappe in action with Australia's Trent Sainsbury REUTERS/Sergio Perez/File Photo

"Yes, I have less right than others to make mistakes," said Pogba, who on Saturday became the first French player since Michel Platini in 1986 to score in consecutive World Cups.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France coach Didier Deschamps and Olivier Giroud celebrate after the match REUTERS/Toru Hanai

(Writing by Julien Pretot in Rostov-on-Don; Editing by Ed Osmond)

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France's Ousmane Dembele shakes hands with France coach Didier Deschamps as he comes off the pitch REUTERS/Sergio Perez

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France's Antoine Griezmann scores their first goal from a penalty REUTERS/John Sibley

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - Group C - France vs Australia - Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia - June 16, 2018 France's Antoine Griezmann prepares to take a penalty while Australia's Mathew Ryan speaks with referee Andres Cunha REUTERS/John Sibley/File Photo