France 2-1 Australia: 3 things we learned

In a close battle, France outlasted Australia 2-1 Saturday in Kazan. Here are three things we learned from the World Cup Group C match.

The first half of France and Australia’s Group C opener was dull, but improved after the break. In the end, France came away with all three points, while Australia need to scrap to make it out the group. What id we learn?

1. VAR makes its debut

With 57 minutes gone in the contest, Antoine Griezmann latched onto a ball and was taken down in the box. Referee Andres Cunha signaled for Video Assistant Referee and looked at the replay, before pointing to the spot to signal a penalty for France. Joshua Ridson, the guilty party, was booked. It was the first VAR call in World Cup history, albeit a controversial one.

Nearly five minutes later, another penalty was called after Samuel Umtiti handled the ball in the box. Up stepped Australia midfielder Mile Jedinak to equalize at 1-1 in the 62nd minute. Expect VAR to play a major role the rest of the tournament.

2. France are lacking patience and creativity in attack

The first half of this game lacked real spark. France, as expected, held the edge in possession as Australia sat back in a 4-4-2, looking to play on the counter. The problem, which has become a trend for France recently, is that they’re often too slow to move the ball at a faster tempo. Part of it might have to do with selecting Corentin Tolisso in midfield instead of either Thomas Lemar or Nabil Fekir to partner Paul Pogba.

The latter came on for Ousmane Dembele, while Olivier Giroud replaced Griezmann as Deschamps’ men looked to put the game away. But the point remains. Throughout the game, France couldn’t string a series of passes together to break down Australia. That’s a troubling sign when they play Peru next, a team who will also look to frustrate France.

A less than convincing performance by a team many expect to go all the way. Deschamps will have to get his team selection right next game, maybe even switch formations and use two strikers. Until then, France will have to improve if they’re to take their game to another gear.

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3. Australia will need Tim Cahill if they’re to advance

Australia will feel unlucky they didn’t get a point out of this game. For the first half, they did their job and frustrated France. Goalkeeper Matthew Ryan held his own, while midfielder Aaron Mooy had a solid game all around.

They gave France a scare, but now they come away with no points and will likely need to beat Denmark in their next match to have any chance of going through. If they’re to do so, Tim Cahill is just the man they need. Yes, at 38 years old, he doesn’t have the energy to go the full 90 minutes, but he’s still capable of grabbing a goal or two. Australia looked particularly dangerous on set pieces, where Cahill typically shines.

There’s enough there for Australia to get a point against Denmark in their next group game. Mooy will have to be solid once again, but Andrew Nabbout and Tom Rogic will have to be better in attack. With Australia staring down the barrel of elimination, manager Bert van Marwijk will need Cahill to give him, and Australia, a chance.