Didier Deschamps: No team except Russia had an easy opener

France manager Didier Deschamps commented on his team's first game at FIFA World Cup 2018 versus Australia (2-1). Antoine Griezmann from penalty and Paul Pogba scored from his side. The fans also witnessed a penalty by Australia captain Mile Jedinak.

"The first game is very important. We have won, but it was a very tough clash, Australia are very good. We lacked speed, speed of passing, interceptions were not good," - Deschamps told his after match press conference. "We did not start well. However, we were blocking them high up, could have done it higher. In general, they finished the game with one serious attempt. I will not be explaining myself, because I do not want it to sound like I am trying to find excuses. "I do not think that the issue is the young age of our players. During the last four World Cups we have won only one opener. Australia is not an 'easy walk team'. Only Russia had an easy first game. But we can and will be playing better. I will not be complaining about VAR, because it helped us," - the manager concluded on the matter.