KAZAN, Russia: A late Paul Pogba strike gave France a 2-1 win over Australia in their Group C opener on Saturday, in the first World Cup match to feature video review in a critical role.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was used for the first time in World Cup history when France were awarded a penalty after Antoine Griezmann was brought down in the box by Joshua Risdon in the 58th minute.
Initially, the referee allowed play to go on but when he was called to the sideline by the off-site arbiter, it was clear that Risdon's foot had clipped the Atletico Madrid striker and the referee pointed to the spot. Griezmann conerted easily.
Whether Risdon got a touch on the ball first, however, was a point of contention.
Just four minutes later, however, France's Samuel Umtiti made a bizarre mistake, his flailing arm making contact with a high cross from Aaron Mooy, forcing the referee to award another penalty, which Australian captain Mile Jedinak converted.
Manchester United midfielder Pogba, who was criticised after recent below-par performances for France, found the back of the net with a lob after a fine one-two with second-half substitute Olivier Giroud nine minutes from time.
His right-footed chip deflected off Aziz Behich, hit the underside of the bar and set the referee's watch buzzing, indicating that the ball had crossed the line as confirmed by goal-line technology.
Australia manager Bert van Marwijk said he felt "proud and disappointed" after the match. "I think we gave a very good performance; nobody would have expected we could play like this against France. I think we deserved a draw," the Dutchman said.
France skipper Didier Deschamps said: "We are very happy to have won as it was a highly difficult match. It was complicated, the Australian team was very good. We were not quick enough and this favoured Australia. We must do better."
France had demonstrated why they entered the match as clear favourites, their crisp passing, time and composure on the ball separating them from the more pedestrian Socceroos.
But in typical fashion, the Australians scrapped and scraped their way into the match, with their work-rate and solid, if sometimes heavy-handed defence ensuring that France did not stretch composed goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in the first half.
It was French keeper Hugo Lloris who was tested most, keeping out a Mooy free kick that French defender Corentin Tolisso almost deflected into the bottom corner of his own goal.
Griezmann admitted France had not played as well as they could have.
"It wasn't a great match for the team or for me, but the important thing is to start with a victory," he said. "I know I can do far better, but I am relaxed about it, I know it is going to get better."
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