While Australia suffered a controversial 2-1 defeat at the hands of France in their FIFA World Cup opener, Pogba admitted the Socceroos caught the UEFA Euro 2016 finalists off-guard with their performance both on and off the pitch.

Thousands of Australian supporters filled the Kazan Arena for the clash against France and the A$153 million Manchester United midfielder admitted the vocal support of the Socceroos' feverish fans was felt from the opening whistle.

“It (the atmosphere) was intense,” Pogba said.

“All game you could hear Australian fans shouting and they were even booing our players.

“We felt like we were playing in Australia.”

TASS

Despite many pundits predicting the match would be a walkover for the star-studded French outfit, the Socceroos more than held their own with only a controversial VAR decision and an unlucky Aziz Behich own goal the difference.

The one-time world record transfer said he was surprised by the quality displayed by the Socceroos.

“People think Australia are very bad and below us but today you could see they played very well, defended very well and worked well as a team,” Pogba said.

“You can see that it was a World Cup game and there is no such thing as a smaller team. It was a very hard game and we now know what to expect.

“The most important thing is [that] we got the three points against a very good team."

Pogba’s sentiments were shared by France striker Olivier Giroud, who stated he was won over by the Socceroos performance.

“Australians can be proud of their team cause they play with their quality,” Giroud said.

“I hope they make it through the group.”

Bert van Marwijk’s side will hope their passionate travelling supporters can be a 12th man for the side once again with a huge turn out on Thursday in Samara for their clash against Denmark.

The Socceroos will need at least a point from the match if they are any hope of reaching the Round of 16.