AUSTRALIA failed to provide a World Cup boil over, going down in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat toFrance on Afternoon.

The Socceroos came so close to pulling off a miracle but in the end France’s class and a stroke of luck gave Les Bleus a 2-1 victory.

Risdon was in the thick things at the other end of the field, tracking back to pick up AntoineGriezmann, who was chasing a through-ball. The referee initially let it go but upon review with the VAR system, he changed his mind and awarded a penalty. Replays showed Risdon didn’t get a foot to the ball in his attempted slide tackle and instead clipped Griezmann. The striker then stepped up to bury the ball in the back of the net from the spot and France took a 1-0 lead.

The match then took another crazy turn when an Aussie cross floated into the box. No Socceroos was anywhere near the ball and a French defender jumped up to head the ball away, but he only succeeded in getting his hand to it.

The referee awarded a penalty to the men in gold and skipper Mile Jedinak duly converted to make it 1-1.

With 20 minutes to play France made a double change. Striker Olivier Giroud came on forGriezmann and Ousmane Dembele was replaced

In the Aussie camp, Jackson Irvine took over from Tom Rogic but with 10 minutes remaining, tragedy struck. Paul Pogba combined for a neat one-two on the edge of the box and his shot deflected off Aziz Behich. The ball looped over a despairing Mat Ryan and just crossed the line before spinning back into the field of play. Again VAR was called to action and made a good decision it was 2-1 to France.

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Highlights France 2-1 Australia June 16 2018

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