France benefited from a controversial first use of video assistant referee technology at a World Cup as they laboured to a 2-1 win over Australia.

Antoine Griezmann put Les Bleus ahead with a contentious second-half penalty in Kazan after referee Andres Cunha adjudged the forward had been fouled by Joshua Risdon having watched a replay of the incident at the side of the pitch.

Australia, who felt aggrieved as defender Risdon appeared to have touched the ball before tripping Griezmann with his follow-through, quickly levelled through Mile Jedinak's spot-kick, before a late goal from Paul Pogba clinched victory for France.

Les Bleus, led by an exciting front three of Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, were overwhelming favourites for the Group C opener.

France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 France vs Australia World Cup player ratings France vs Australia World Cup player ratings <b>France:</b> Hugo Lloris - 7 out of 10 Claimed crosses and free-kicks and was there when called upon, particularly in the first half. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Benjamin Pavard - 5 out of 10 Disappointing display from the young French full-back who will have hoped to impress today. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Raphael Varane - 7 out of 10 Composed and calm but little to deal with for the most part. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Samuel Umtiti - 5 out of 10 Barcelona’s centre-half dealt with the minimal danger well until his moment of madness awarded Australia a penalty with a ridiculous handball. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Lucas Hernandez - 6 out of 10 Like his fellow full-back, disappointed slightly, particularly in an attacking sense. Also, went down clutching his face three times which was far too often. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Corentin Tolisso - 5 out of 10 Almost scored an own goal in the first half and softly claimed an elbow. Disappointing display and playacting. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings N'Golo Kante - 6 out of 10 Didn’t have too much to do in the middle but went about his job in his normal standard. Perhaps a bit too deep at times. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Paul Pogba - 7 out of 10 Replicating his Manchester United form for most of the day with a few bright sparks and plenty of misplaced passes but in the end linked with Giroud to create the all important winner. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Kylian Mbappe - 7 out of 10 Tested Ryan on a couple of occasions and looked the most likely to cause trouble throughout. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Antoine Griezmann - 6 out of 10 Quiet by his own standards but won the penalty, slightly controversially, and dispatched it magnificently. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Ousmane Dembele - 6 out of 10 Showed his pace with a couple of decent bursts but lost composure in key areas. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings <b>Australia:</b> Mathew Ryan - 7 out of 10 Was briefly tested early in the game and showed competency in all areas. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Josh Risdon - 7 out of 10 Composed and impressive along with the rest of the Australia back four but unfortunately gave the penalty away in controversial circumstances. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Trent Sainsbury - 8 out of 10 Impressive performance from the centre-half who was so strong in the tackle, he burst a ball. Seriously though, he read the game and bossed it and was unlucky to be on the losing side. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Mark Milligan - 7 out of 10 Kept the compact shape at the back and kept Griezmann, Mbappe and Dembele at bay. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Aziz Behich - 7 out of 10 Not only defensively impressive but recognised French weaknesses and was Australia’s big attacking outlet down the left - very unlucky to be awarded in the decisive goal. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Mathew Leckie - 7 out of 10 Wasn’t consistently an attacking threat but pressed and harried the French defenders and made it a tough day for them. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Mile Jedinak - 7 out of 10 The Aston Villa man and captain of Australia led the team well and dispatched his penalty confidently. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Aaron Mooy - 8 out of 10 Took his Premier League form with Huddersfield into this clash and was the main man in the middle but will be hurting after the result. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Robbie Kruse - 6 out of 10 Did his all but couldn’t quite make something happen for the Australians. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Tom Rogic - 7 out of 10 One of Celtic’s best players impressed again here helping his midfielders stifle France attacks. Getty France vs Australia World Cup player ratings Andrew Nabbout - 6 out of 10 Didn’t get many opportunities but like the rest of the team, worked really hard and made it hard for France. Getty

They began with purpose and forced three saves out of Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan inside the opening six minutes.

Atletico Madrid forward Griezmann produced the best of the efforts, connecting well with a powerful half-volley from distance which Ryan dealt with comfortably.

The Socceroos, managed by Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk for the first time in a competitive match, looked like they may be in for a long afternoon but they almost opened the scoring when Hugo Lloris reacted to prevent Corentin Tolisso scoring an own goal following Aaron Mooy's free-kick.

France's early promise quickly faded before they were presented with a perfect chance to break the deadlock in questionable circumstances 13 minutes into the second half.

(Getty (Getty)

Uruguayan official Cunha initially played on following Risdon's challenge on Griezmann before pointing to the penalty spot after consulting VAR and viewing a screen next to the dugouts.

Defender Risdon perhaps had reason to dispute the decision, before Griezmann seized the opportunity, whipping the ball to Ryan's left to claim his 21st international goal.

The lead did not last long, though, as Australia levelled with a spot-kick of their own four minutes later, and this time there was no doubt about the award.

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti inexplicably handled a free-kick in the box, allowing Socceroos captain Jedinak to calmly send Lloris the wrong way.

Australia appeared to be heading for a deserved point following their dogged performance, but there was another unfortunate twist nine minutes from time, to the relief of France coach Didier Deschamps.