At 13 o'clock in Kazan, Group C fights started - the tournament favorite France clashed with Australia. After a tough and fierce battle, the European vice-champions secured their first victory - triumphing with a score of 2-1.
In the 2nd minute, the first serious danger arose at the Australian team's goal - Kylian Mbappe received a good pass from Antoine Griezmann and took a shot straight at the opponent's goalkeeper.
In the 6th minute, Antoine Griezmann tried his luck from about 20 meters, but once again, the Australian goalkeeper confidently dealt with the ball in his goal.
In the 17th minute, the Australian team almost broke through - after a high pass from Aaron Mooy, Trent Sainsbury broke away from the defenders and directed a shot towards the goal, but Hugo Lloris flawlessly did his job in the goal.
As the first half progressed, the French team seemed more dangerous than their opponents, but the French did not have clear-cut chances in the first half-hour.
During the remainder of the first half, nothing significant happened - the French were slightly more active, but the score after the first 45 minutes was still 0-0.
The second half started with even less energy - the French had more of the ball, but Australia defended well.
In the 55th minute, a historic event occurred at the World Cup - for the first time, the VAR system was used, which awarded a penalty kick to Australia. Standing at the penalty spot, Antoine Griezmann did not make a mistake - the striker scored accurately and the French finally took the lead.
The French did not enjoy their lead for long - in the 60th minute, Samuel Umtiti handballed in the penalty area and a penalty kick was awarded to Australia. Australia's captain Mile Jedinak did not waver - his precise shot leveled the score.
After the equalizing goal, the Australians did not retreat to defense, and the French did not dominate in the goal area. Didier Deschamps immediately made changes - he threw Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir into the mix.
In the 81st minute, France unexpectedly regained the lead - Paul Pogba sent the ball into Australia's goal from the opponent's leg. The ball dropped behind the goal line, but at the same time came out of the goal. The referee's watch showed a goal and the European representatives triumphed.
During the remaining time, Australia failed to equalize and France secured their first victory in the tournament.
Result:
France 2 - 1 Australia
58' [1-0] A. Griezmann (penalty kick)
62' [1-1] M. Jedinak (penalty kick)
81' [2-1] P. Pogba
Starting line-ups:
The teams are in for #FRAAUS
A big goal at an important time for @FrenchTeam from @paulpogba #FRAAUS
