France's Antoine Griezmann scores the penalty goal during the group C match between France and Australia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia, Saturday, June 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

France beat Australia 2-1 in their opening World Cup match on Saturday after the Video Assistant Referee system was used for the first time in the competition's history.

France player celebrate after scoring their side's second goal during the group C match between France and Australia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia, Saturday, June 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Antoine Griezmann had a penalty awarded thanks to VAR and scored before Mile Jedinak equalised for Australia from the spot. Paul Pogba's 81st minute shot bounced over the line off the crossbar to give France a narrow win. (AFP)