France have kicked off their World Cup with a hard-fought win in Kazan
Australia limited goalscoring opportunities during the first half of their Group C opener on Saturday, the score goalless at half-time.
With nearly an hour played, France finally did take a lead. Antoine Griezmann’s penalty appeals were initially waved away by the referee, only for him to change his mind after consulting VAR over Josh Risdon’s last-ditch challenge.
Griezmann converted the penalty, though Australia soon levelled through a spot kick of their own.
A cross into the French area was handled by Samuel Umtiti, who inexplicably raised his hand above his head to to make contact with the ball. Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak converted the penalty, and the score remained 1-1 until an unfortunate own goal from Aziz Behich ten minutes from time.
It was a difficult defeat for Australia to take after such a resilient display.
Things may have panned out differently had the referee deemed Umtiti’s handball worthy of a red card as well as a penalty, something many watching seemed to think was the correct decision.
Why is Umtiti still on the park? Surely a red card?!
— Ryan Young (@Ryzybobby) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/Charlieboi554/status/1007946361055137794
Surely Umtiti has to be sent off? pic.twitter.com/O8suo0VD4D
— Chlo (@Chloavfc_) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/angry_rantman/status/1007947472071733249
https://twitter.com/CraigWhitington/status/1007945399284445185
Umtiti lucky to still be on the pitch. Red Card all day
— Felix (@hobidyhobs) June 16, 2018
Isn't that supposed to be a red card for Umtiti?
— 😵💫 (@manluvzblack) June 16, 2018
Why no red card for Umtiti's quite deliberate handball? #bbcfootball
— Russell Seymour (@gussiemour) June 16, 2018
