Tech-aided ‘win’ for Les Bleus

Kazan: Paul Pogba scored a late goal to earn France a hard-fought 2-1 win against Australia as technology played a major part in their opening World Cup Group C game on Saturday. Midfielder Pogba, who was criticised after recent below-par performances, found the back of the net with a lob after a fine one-two with second-half substitute Olivier Giroud nine minutes from time, the effort being confirmed by goal-line technology.

Antoine Griezmann converted the first penalty to be awarded by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at a World Cup in the 58th after being brought down by Josh Rishdon, only for Mile Jedinak to level, also with a penalty, after Samuel Umtiti handled. France were held 0-0 at halftime by Australia in their World Cup Group C opener as their expected domination failed to materialise at the Kazan Arena on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe, forming a fearsome attacking trio with Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele, tormented the Australia defence early on but the Socceroos held firm. Bert van Marwijk's Australia team even had the best chance in the 17th minute when Aaron Mooy's free kick took slight deflections off team mate Mathew Leckie and France's Corentin Tolisso, forcing Hugo Lloris to tip the ball away.

Earlier, France coach Didier Deschamps left veteran striker Olivier Giroud out of his starting 11 for the World Cup opener against Australia and picked Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in a young but potent front three with striker Antoine Griezmann. As expected, the injured Djibril Sidibe was replaced at right back by Benjamin Pavard but Paul Pogba was retained in a midfield featuring Corentin Tolisso for the Group C match at Kazan Arena on Saturday.

Australia coach Bert van Marwijk retained captain and stalwart midfielder Mile Jedinak, quashing speculation he might leave the Aston Villa man out.The inexperienced Andrew Nabbout lined up as a likely front man for the Socceroos with wingers Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie.