Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended1529150493

France vs Australia LIVE World Cup 2018: Latest score, goals and updates from Kazan

Follow all the latest news from the first Group C match in Russia

Nathan Jacobs
Saturday 16 June 2018 12:56 BST
Comments
World Cup Opening Ceremony

France carry a huge expectation to win big in Group C and they kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia.

Les Bleus are on a mission since losing the Euro 2016 on home soil to Portugal, but Didier Deschamps squad is expected to breeze through their group against Peru, Denmark and the Socceroos. With all four teams looking rich in talent, France needs to be extra wary if they intend to qualify to the final 16. France right-back Djibril Sidibe is still suffering from a knee injury, so it looks like Benjamin Pavard is set to start in his place.

Australia could drop Mile Jedinak but head coach Bert van Marwijk might play Massimo Luongo in central midfield.

Both teams are looking strong, but France will have to battle it out for a win.

Follow all the live action below…


Please allow a moment for the blog to load…

What time is kick-off?

France vs Australia kicks off at 11am BST.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown on the BBC.

Odds

France: 1/4

Australia: 9/1

Draw: 11/2

Prediction

France 3-1 Australia.

France have a real chance of winning this game and their group if they keep it together. But they will have to fight for it as no doubt Australia will bring everything they have to the table.

But who do you think will win? Let us know by voting above.

1529149413

84 min: This game has technology at the forefront. 

VAR controversy but goal-line technology showed its worth there. 

No idea if the linesman would've given the goal without the technology - that was centimetres over the line. 

Nathan Jacobs16 June 2018 12:43
1529149453

86 min: Free-kick to France on the edge of the box. Can they kill the game off? 

Nathan Jacobs16 June 2018 12:44
1529149524

87 min: No. 

The free-kick is cleared away into touch and Australia have possession once again.

Nathan Jacobs16 June 2018 12:45
1529149830

92 min: Australia are giving it their all but they're on their last legs. 

Throw in deep in France territory. 

Nathan Jacobs16 June 2018 12:50
1529149846

93 min: Long throw incoming. 

Nathan Jacobs16 June 2018 12:50
1529149898

94 min: Risdon with a tame effort on the edge of the box, easily cleared away. 

We're into the final minute of additional time and France have seemingly got away with one today against a very creditable Australia performance. 

Nathan Jacobs16 June 2018 12:51
1529150493

95 min: FULL TIME! France win their opening game of the 2018 World Cup but they can be very thankful to the technology on display today. 

Thanks for joining. Argentina v Iceland up next! 

Nathan Jacobs16 June 2018 13:01

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in