Meanwhile in Moscow: Pogba Saves Bleus in Aussies Battle

It took a little help from technology for France to overcome a tenacious Australia, and gain their first three points in their World Cup run. The French benefited of the first penalty ever assigned via VAR in a world competition, but coach Didier Deschamps and his boys left Kazan with more doubts than certainties, despite the two goals scored by Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba.

Mile Jedinak’s temporary equaliser for Australia kept the match alive, and made France struggle to start Group C with the right foot, but couldn’t do much more than blocking Les Bleus’ offences and preventing them from making their game. The Socceroos relied on a solid defensive line, well-orchestrated and protected by goalkeeper Matthew Ryan, to keep the opponents’ dream trident – Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousman Dembélé – at bay.

France’s enfants terribles were a true disappointment in today’s match – with the only Griezmann able to breach through coach Bert van Marwijk lines, whereas Mbappé and Dembélé ended up being recalled by Deschamps in the second half. Nabil Fekir and Olivier Giroud were sent in as Deschamps reshuffled his cards, the latter eventually contributing to the French’s winning goal.

But it was still too little, for a team credited among the potential title winners, and with a starting lineup which is scary enough even when read on paper. France did grasp the three points, but at the end of an all but memorable game. Surely the venue didn’t help. You could step your foot into the Kazan Arena, and the first thing you notice is that, despite the millions spent to build it, there still seems to be no solution to shadows cast over the playing field.

With the sun shining high, it was literally impossible – at least from a TV screen – to understand what the heck was happening into Hugo Lloris’ area for the first 45 minutes. It didn’t go better in the second half, with the pitch turning into a huge rectangular yin and yang symbol.

Good thing that not much was happening indeed, as the only clear chance in the first half was in favor of the Aussies. Midfielder Aaron Mooy shot a free kick, and Matthew Leckie corrected the ball trajectory with a header, sending it on Corentin Tolisso’s foot. It took a super save by Lloris to prevent Bayern Munich’s midfielder from scoring a tragic own goal.

Then, technology took over: A few minutes into the second half, Atlético Madrid’s pixie Griezmann – fresh from swearing eternal love to the Colchoneros – caught a pass by Pogba and was knocked down in the box by what seemed a perfect tackle by Joshua Risdon. But Uruguayan referee Andre Cunha asked the VAR assistance, and eventually pointed at the penalty spot.

Doubts remain over the decision, as Risdon’s foot only slightly touched Griezmann’s ankle, with Atlético’s striker smart enough to crash down. Griezmann did convert the penalty, but refrained from his usual flamboyant celebrations. Maybe he felt a little guilty inside.

France’s lead didn’t last long however. Only four minutes later something mysterious and inexplicable must have passed in Samuel Umtiti’s mind, as he jumped with his hand held high in his own box, and hit the ball with it on a cross. This time, there was no need for Cunha to use VAR in order to award a second penalty. Bearded midfielder Jedinak brought Australia to 1-1.

Which would have been a fair outcome for the game, if in the 79’ minute Les Bleus didn’t finally create a scoring chance worth of their hype: A beautiful one touch combination among Mbappé, Giroud, and Pogba, with Juventus’ former midfielder to open fire. His shot rebounded on Australia’s Aziz Behich and took a bizarre effect, turning into a chip that left no chance to Ryan for France’s final 2-1.

The French struggled more than expected, but they are still France. Australia proved they can be a tough contender, but they will need learn how to attack as well, if they want to have any chances of making it past the Group Stage. In any case, Peru and Denmark, the other two contenders in Pool C, are warned.

MATCH REPORT

June 15, 2018 – World Cup Group Stage Pool C
FRANCE-AUSTRALIA 2-1

SCORERS: 58′ Griezmann (F, pen.), 63′ Jedinak (A, pen.), 79′ Pogba  (F)

	FRANCE (4-3-1-2): Lloris; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Tolisso (78′ Matuidi), Kante, Pogba; Griezmann (70′ Giroud), Mbappé, Dembelé 70′ Fekir) (Areola, Mandanda, Kimpembe, Lemar, Nzonzi, Rami, Sidibe, Thauvin, Mendy) Coach: Deschamps
	AUSTRALIA (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Risdon, Milligan, Sainsbury, Behich; Jedinak, Mooy; Leckie, Rogic (72′ Irvine), Kruse (84′ Arzani); Nabbout (64′ Juric) (Jones, Vukovic, Degenek, Meredith, Cahill, Jurman, Luongo, Maclaren, Petratos) Coach: Van Marwijk

REFEREE: Cunha (Uruguay)
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Tolisso (F), Leckie, Risdon, Behich (A)