A late goal by Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba ensured that France snatched all 3 points in their group C opener against Australia.
Both teams were average on the day with a few shots at goal in the first half. The second half began in likewise fashion as both teams sort to grand a hold of the game.
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The first breakthrough of the match, however, came when Antione Griezmann scored from the penalty spot after being adjudged to be brought down by the help of the video assistant referee VAR team who assisted the head official to overturn a penalty kick call. It’s the first-ever use of VAR at a World Cup game. Griezmann soon after converted the spot kick to give the French team a 58th-minute lead, his first in a World Cup match.
But just moments later in the 62nd minute, the Australians were awarded a penalty, thanks to a bonehead handball by Samuel Umtiti of France which was converted by Mile Jedinak.
France sealed the victory in the 80th minute when Pogba kissed the ball off the crossbar, just over the line. The United player now becomes the only French player after Michel Platini to score in consecutive World cup tournaments.