France has technology on its side in win over Australia

Technology twice helped France at the World Cup on Saturday in its 2-1 victory over Australia in Group C.

• PREVIEW:8 things to know about the 2018 World Cup
• SCHEDULE: 2018 FIFA World Cup
• SCORES & STATS: 2018 FIFA World Cup

The French team was given a penalty kick, eventually converted by Antoine Griezmann in the 58th minute, after the referee watched the replay of a foul on the sideline.

Paul Pogba later scored the winning goal in the 81st minute, and goal-line technology was used to confirm the ball had crossed the line after bouncing down off the crossbar.

"I'm not going to complain about the use of video today," France coach Didier Deschamps said from Russia. "It helped correct a mistake."

2018 World Cup: What you need to know

6 years ago

Duration 2:29

With World Cup time upon us, Rob Pizzo breaks down what you need to know about one of the biggest events in the world. Whether you are a die-hard fan, or one that watches soccer every four years, this video has you covered.

Pogba had been unimpressive until the goal, but he set up a 1-2 with substitute Olivier Giroud and beat Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Australia captain Mile Jedinak had briefly equalized for Australia from the penalty spot in the 62nd after Samuel Umtiti handled the ball in the area.

After a balanced first half in the Group C match at the Kazan Arena, France was awarded the first penalty following a VAR review. After checking images of a tackle from behind by Joshua Risdon on Griezmann, referee Andres Cunha pointed to the penalty spot.

"When I received the knock I believed there was a penalty," Griezmann said. "The referee did not bow his whistle, so I moved on with that. But when he went to see if there was a penalty I immediately thought about how I would take it."

Griezmann sent a powerful shot into the net that left Ryan stranded.

France had controlled possession and circulated the ball well before the interval, but after four shots in the first eight minutes the French failed to get a single shot on target in the remainder of the first half.