France Defeats Australia 2-1 as Griezmann, Pogba Score Amid VAR System Debut

The Video Assistant Referee system was used for the first time in World Cup history on Saturday when France was awarded a penalty against Australia in Russia's city of Kazan.

France beat Australia 2-1 due to an own goal after a strike by star midfielder Paul Pogba (Manchester United).

Almost immediately after French central forward Antoine Griezmann had scored a penalty, the referee from Uruguay awarded another penalty to Australia, with Mile Jedinak equalizing the score.

Pogba's goal to make it 2-1, goal line technology was needed for this one. #WorldCup #FRAAUS

pic.twitter.com/vYe7f9IrLh

— FIFA WORLD CUP 2018⚽ (@_WorldCupStats) June 16, 2018

FULL TIME: Australia 1-2 France. Paul Pogba’s strike gives the @FrenchTeam maximum 3 points at the Kazan stadium. #FRAAUS #WorldCupRussia2018 pic.twitter.com/U8ZDDzvd6Q

— #WorldCupRussia2018 (@thelivesoccer_) June 16, 2018

The penalty was awarded with the help of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which is being tested at the World Cup in Russia for the first time. It was previously used in Italy's Serie A and Germany's Bundesliga.

#FRAAUS — RESULT:

VAR and goal line technology had a say as #FRA get the win in their opening match against #AUS

Griezmann and Pogba with the goals for France. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/v4zAS0SoyV

— SuperSport ⚽️🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 16, 2018

After Australia's goal, Griezmann was replaced with striker Olivier Giroud.

On June 21, France will play against Peru in Yekaterinburg, while Australia will take on Denmark in Samara the same day.

FT: Australia 1 France 2

A cruel loss. But an impressive effort by the @Socceroos! On to the next game against Denmark on Thursday night! #FRAAUS #WorldCup #SBSTheWorldGame pic.twitter.com/kDKPkW7HFQ

— SBS — The World Game (@TheWorldGame) June 16, 2018