A successful World Cup finals debut for Corentin Tolisso. The FCB midfielder featured in France’s 2-1 win against Australia in their opening match in Russia. The goals were scored for Les Bleus by Antoine Griezmann (58') with a penalty and an own goal from Aziz Behich (80) with Mile Jedinak levelling from the penalty spot on 62 minutes. Both the first penalty and the winning goal involved the use of VAR and goal-line technology. In the second match in Group C, France play Peru in Yekaterinburg on Thursday 21 June at 17.00 CEST.

Tolisso was in the starting line-up of the youngest French side in the World Cup finals since 1930. The 23-year-old contributed to the build-up play for Didier Deschamps’ team in central midfield up to his substitution on 78 minutes with France struggling to make headway and create chances against a well-organised Australian defence. There was a familiar face on the Australia bench in Mark van Bommel. The former FCB captain is the Socceroos assistant coach.