Les Bleus only came out winners with the help of the VAR and a lucky deflection. Australia put up a disciplined fight but they just couldn’t trouble the French defence.

After an epic qualification process, Australia’s first hurdle at the World Cup was a national team whose players have a combined market value of over a billion Euros. A classic case of out of the frying pan and into the fire.

But with the odds stacked against them the Aussies put on a tough, disciplined performance. The crowd seemed right behind the Socceroos but it wasn’t enough.

With such a wealth of talent the French have come into the tournament as one of the favourites. However, on this display, team selection could scuttle their chances. Coach Didier Deschamps has changed his line up a lot in the lead up and his substitutes looked more influential than his first XI.

Still, champion teams manage to find a way to win even when they might not deserve it. The French did this tonight.

Australia

Mat Ryan – 7

We’ve already seen a keeper howler at this World Cup – but not from Ryan, who started well by calmly making some bread and butter saves. He didn’t have any really difficult tests and this was often down to his good positioning and speed across the ground.

Josh Risdon – 6

The A-League stalwart was up against one of the most expensive players in world football. He held his own in the first half. He gave away the penalty from a VAR decisionn which will be debated in Australia for years.

Trent Sainsbury – 8

One of Sainsbury’s tackles tonight was so strong, it popped the ball. He led the defence exceptionally well. He looked really comfortable at this level and if not for temptation of Chinese dollars, he might have been playing with and against players of this quality week in week out.

Mark Milligan – 6.5

Struggled with the pace of Mbappe early on. Improved as the game went on. This was a vintage performance from Milligan and Australia will need him to keep this standard for the next two games.

Aziz Behich – 7.5

Knew his limitations. He dribbled into space well and was good on the overlap but he simply cleared it when he was under pressure. He made for himself probably the best chance of the first half but alas his shot flew wide. He’s scored a few goals from a similar area this season in Turkey but alas, not tonight.