World Cup

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Attendance: 41,279

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 16, 2018 at 11am UK

France
2-1
Australia Australia

Griezmann (58' pen.), Behich (80' og.)

FT(HT: 0-0)

Jedinak (62' pen.)

Bert van Marwijk "proud but disappointed" after Australia defeat by France

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 16 June 2018

Bert van Marwijk admits that he is "proud but disappointed" as the Socceroos lost 2-1 to France in their opening game of the 2018 World Cup.

Australia head coach Bert van Marwijk has declared himself "proud but disappointed" after his side lost 2-1 to France in their opening World Cup game.

Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 58 minutes following a controversial VAR-assisted decision, but Mile Jedinak drew level with a spot kick of his own four minutes later.

The Socceroos looked on course to hold one of the pre-tournament favourites until Paul Pogba's lobbed effort deflected off Australia full-back Aziz Behich and the crossbar to edge over the goalline.

"I'm proud but disappointed. I think we gave a very good performance," Van Marwijk told reporters after the game.

"No-one expected we could play like this against France but I think there were a lot of moments when they didn't know what to do anymore so that's a big compliment for us.

"The way we wanted to play, they did it for 95% (of the game) so I can't blame any players, I can only give them compliments. At least we deserved a draw."

Peru face Denmark in Saturday's other Group C match from 5pm BST.