The Socceroos had France ‘rattled’ in their spirited second half, says star winger Robbie Kruse

IT was so nearly the upset of the World Cup, and star Australian winger Robbie Kruse has claimed the Socceroos had France ‘rattled’ deep in the second half before a crushing late blow.

KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 16: Mile Jedinak of Australia celebrates scoring his side's first goal with team mates Andrew Nabbout and Robbie Kruse during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between France and Australia at Kazan Arena on June 16, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

IT was a moment he’d dreamt of for years — but in the end Socceroos winger Robbie Kruse could only feel frustration.

Seven and a half years after his international debut, Robbie Kruse finally made his first appearance at a World Cup, only to see Australia concede at the death to lose 2-1 to France.

VAR DRAMA: Socceroos find decision ‘difficult to digest

DAILY WRAP: Even the greats have off days — Messi’s nightmare

WORLD VIEW: Ronaldo of Russia reaches ‘dimensions of God’

Australia's forward Robbie Kruse (L) and Australia's defender Trent Sainsbury (C) argue with Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha. Pic: AFP

By common consent Australia deserved a draw after defying France and even pulling level once they had gone behind to a goal sparked by the intervention of the video assistant referee — and Kruse said the result was hard to take.

“The initial reaction is frustration that we deserved a point at least,” Kruse said.

“It wasn’t the best attacking performance from us but you’re coming up against one of the best attacking teams in the world, full of superstars, and as a team we performed excellently.

“I don’t think in the second half they had a shot on goal, until the last five minutes when we were pushing for a goal.

Kruse is challenged by France’s Ngolo Kante. Pic: Getty

“I’m really proud of the performance and really frustrated with the goals that were given.

“With the first goal (given for a foul by Josh Risdon reviewed on video by the referee), we asked the referee if he’d made contact with the ball because we could see it on the TV and he agreed.

RATINGS: Who starred and who struggled for Socceroos

‘DISAPPOINTED’: Roos coach laments VAR-inspired defeat

Kruse found space, was aggressive and was among Australia’s best against France. Pic: AFP

“So we struggled to understand how it could be a penalty but it is what is.

“I thought once it was 1-1 we really rattled them and heads went down. They looked tired and we all had the energy — but the second goal came so late that luck sometimes isn’t on your side.

“It’s disappointing but we have to try and pick ourselves up. We can draw a lot of positives from what was an excellent team performance.”

HEARTBREAK: Late goal sinks Socceroos hopes

ANALYSIS: Van Marwijk masterclass undone by French class

Kruse protects the ball from France’s Corentin Tolisso. Pic: AFP

Kruse said the result couldn’t ruin the experience of playing in a World Cup, after missing the 2014 tournament.

“It was surreal — the lead up didn’t really hit me until I woke up this morning with a few butterflies,” he said. “I was really excited and when you stand out there for the anthem it was huge.

“The fans were fantastic and inspired us — it was a dream come true for me but it would have been even better if we’d got the result. I’m sure we’ll get up for the next two games but at the moment it’s tough to take.”

CAN AUSTRALIA STILL GET OUT OF GROUP C? USE OUR PREDICTOR BELOW