France are among the favourites to win the 2018 World Cup.On paper, Les Bleus have arguably the finest squad in the tournament.It’s just a matter of whether Didier Deschamps can convert that talent into a team that is capable of winning the whole thing.We got a better idea of that in France’s opening group game against Australia on Saturday.With Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele starting, Les Bleus were expected to cruise to victory over the Socceroos.But that wasn’t entirely the case, with Australia producing a spirited performance despite losing 2-1.The match was goalless at half-time but it came to life in the second half when VAR was used for the first time in Russia.

VAR is used

Australia’s Joshua Risdon initially got away with his tackle on Griezmann in the area but, after consulting the video assistant referees, referee Andres Cunha pointed to the spot.

Risdon made contact with the France striker but the whole point of VAR is to reverse clear and obvious mistakes - and in this instance, a clear and obvious error wasn’t made.

Gary Lineker nailed it on Twitter by writing: “The fact opinion is divided on the Griezmann VAR penalty decision suggests that even if it probably was a penalty the decision should not have been changed.”

The Match of the Day host reiterated his stance when a fan suggested that VAR helps the referee to make his mind up.

“No, it’s for clear and obvious mistakes,” he added.

“Of course it’s not about public opinion, but making the point that if opinion is so divided how is it a clear and obvious mistake.”

The hope was that VAR would reduce the number of disputes that arise during matches.

But one scan on Twitter and you’ll find that that hasn’t been the case.