Paul Pogba earns France 2-1 win as technology plays its part
France beat Australia 2-1 in their opening World Cup match on Saturday after the Video Assistant Referee system was used for the first time in the competition's history.
- Sports
- Reuters
- Published Date: 12:00 | 16 June 2018
- Modified Date: 03:04 | 16 June 2018
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.
Peru take on Denmark in the other Group C match at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk later on Saturday.
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