KATHMANDU, June 16: With Pogba's decisive goal the French team narrowly skipped sharting a point with Australia as the game end with 2-1 goals. France started brilliantly the first half with Mbappe and Dembele teaming well to lead the offensive line. Mbappe's shot was stopped by Aussie's keeper Ryan. In the 3rd minute of the game, French side were awarded a freee kick outside the box, but Pogba only could hit it straight to the keeper's hand. France dominated the first quarter of the game. Griezmann's involvement was limited with only one shot with a weaker right foot straight to the keeper. The midfiled 3 were ineffective in stopping the Aussies.
Australia slowly gained momentum in the midfield. Their counter attacks, most of the time, were led from the left flank. The defense settled after the first quarter of the game with accurate tackles and long passes to the wingers. However, the front line could not put the ball past Loris. Their only actual chance to score came in the game in 17th minute through a free kick header but, Loris stood still in front of the goal line denying goal.
‘Kathmandu Blues & Roots Festival’ on Saturday
Les Blues midfiled looked without formation. The introduction of Tolisso, Kante and Pogba in the same line was ineffective. Pogba had lot of wrong passes in the game, while Kante was nowhere to be seen in the match. Meanwhile, Tolisso did not do much of essential work in the game. The French side were awared penalty through VAR system after the refree review. Griezamann scored calmly in the 58th minute to give his side a lead of one goal.
Within four minutes, Aussies equalized through Jedinak's penalty goal after the handball from Umtiti. A major attack from Aussies in the 76th minute was stopped by Tolisso's clipping which earned him a yellow card. But, the Australians could not take advantage of the free kick given outside the box.
The Aussis resilience grew stronger until 81th minute when Pogba scored a beautiful goal.
The scoreline ended with France 2-1 Australia.
