Australia’s hopes of a stunning World Cup upset ruthlessly exposed by two crucial lapses

GIVEN no chance to rattle one of the world’s football heavyweights, Australia came within a whisker of pulling off an incredible upset — and for that Bert van Marwijk has earned high praise.

France celebrate their first goal against Australia during their FIFA World Cup group match at Kazan Arena during the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Kazan, Russia, Saturday, June 16, 2018. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING

THE Socceroos had absolutely no right to put France to the sword, but they did.

They had literally 30 days with their new coach Bert van Marwijk leading into this David and Goliath battle, in which time they needed to heed and implement a completely new message and philosophy.

They did that for 98 per cent of the game, but the world’s most expensive international team ruthlessly exposed the Socceroos for literally two blips to win their opening Group C game at Kazan Arena 2-1.

The Aussies walked off the ground with their heads held high and hopes of advancing from the group remain, ahead of their clashes with Denmark and Peru.

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Socceroos Robbie Kruse, Tom Rogic and Andrew Nabbout celebrate Mile Jedinak's penalty goal. Picture: Toby Zerna

With most expecting Massimo Luongo to start, the selection surprise of Mile Jedinak paid off as the captain’s physicality, discipline and set piece threat causing France problems — and he was lurking in dangerous positions for the Socceroos’ two most dangerous moments, both from Aaron Mooy free-kicks — the first when France almost turned the ball into their own net and the second which led to a penalty which he converted.

Mooy was outstanding throughout, spreading the ball nicely and fighting like crazy without it.

Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk had geared everything towards the opening World Cup fixture. Picture: Toby Zerna

Van Marwijk ditched the home send-off game and an extra friendly for an intensive training camp, which was purely “operation Les Bleus”.

The swiftness of France’s front third entrances was at times frightening, but the Socceroos’ individual and collective discipline was outstanding.

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There were many speed bumps in the lead in, but despite the time pressures the messages have clearly sunk in:

— Don’t be intimidated: Mathew Leckie, Andrew Nabbout, Aziz Behich and even Tom Rogic — not usually noted for his hustle — eyeballed them and let them know they weren’t daunted by their CV’s or superior pay packets, planting some strong tackles;

— Atletico Madrid template: The Socceroos’ scrapped a la the perennial Spanish overachievers and the pre-game hype about Australia’s physicality may have affected Les Blues, who seemed to go down easily, bracing themselves for heavy challenges. Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha got sucked in a few times;

— Stay compact: PSG dynamo Kylian Mbappe was on the verge of breaking through on goal several times, but Australia’s tight lines and good individual positioning meant he was frustrated each time;

— Exploit Rogic: The Celtic attacker did not touch the ball in the first 25 minutes as the Socceroos soaked up the French onslaught, but thereafter he found space and that was when they looked most dangerous — headlined by the chance just before the break when he released Aziz Behich down the left;

Tom Rogic looked dangerous and was a persistent threat when given space. Picture: Toby Zerna

It was when they diverted away from the van Marwijk mantra that trouble unfolded.

First their structure was disfigured when key screeners Aaron Mooy and Mile Jedinak were caught out of position, high up the park and France transitioned with rapid fire speed.

And the constant training ground message of “keep your feet” was ditched as a desperate Josh Risdon slid in to try and thwart onrushing predator Antoine Griezmann. The VAR spotted a heel clip and Griezmann converted the penalty.

Mat Ryan (in goal) was outstanding, but had no answer to Antoine Griezmann’s inch-[erfect penalty goal. Picture: Toby Zerna

Goalkeeper Mat Ryan’s role can’t be understated, remaining composed with hands and feet as the deep-lying Socceroos tried to play out while he had many saves to make.

The decision to drop Mark Milligan into stopper paid off, with his calmness and well-timed tackles proving critical, alongside Trent Sainsbury who got better as the game wore on and finished with an inspirational, Lucas Neill-esque (from Germany 2006) surging run into midfield.

In the end, France’s quality was the difference. But the Socceroos were far from disgraced and that’s what Jedinak would’ve told his players as the huddled in the centre of the pitch moments after the final whistle.

France's forward Kylian Mbappe (L) vies with Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. Pic: AFP

THE 5 KEY KAZAN MOMENTS

RYAN ALERT TO MBAPPE – 2nd minute

It loomed as the worst possible start as speedstar Kylian Mbappe got in behind Australia’s high line within 90 seconds of kick-off. But goalkeeper Mat Ryan was alert, standing tall and saving sharply at his front post.

LLORIS SPARES FRENCH BLUSHES – 17th minute

Aaron Mooy whipped in a dangerous free-kick which Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso almost deflected into his own net trying to clear, with Hugo Lloris diving late with Trent Sainsbury lurking.

The big screen shows VAR reviewing a penalty decision for France. Pic: Getty

VAR-ASSISTED OPENER – 58th minute

The referee waved play-on when Antoine Griezmann went down from Josh Risdon’s sliding tackle, but awarded it after VAR intervention and the Atletico Madrid player emphatically converted the penalty.

MILE, CAPTAIN COOL – 62nd minute

Samuel Umtiti punched the ball from a dangerous Aaron Mooy free-kick, with Mile Jedinak lurking at the back post. The captain got a second chance, stepping up as he did against Holland four years ago to slot the ball home (WATCH IN VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE).

POGBA PRESSURE – 80th minute

A tricky combination unlocked the Socceroos defence as Aziz Behich attempted to clear but Manchester United’s Paul Pogba beat him to it, as the ball sailed over Ryan’s head and over the line via the crossbar – just.