Mathew Ryan made some unwanted history today – as he was beaten by the World Cup’s first video-assisted penalty.

The Albion keeper was in goal for the Australia side sent to an unfortunate 2-1 defeat by much-fancied France in their Group C opener in Kazan.

France's winner, by Paul Pogba, was confirmed by the goal referral system after just crossing the line.

The Argus:

The VAR team took centre stage for France’s 58th minute opener.

Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha initially ruled Josh Risdon’s tackle on Antoine Griezmann was fair.

But, after checking at pitchside with the help of the video team, he saw Risdon caught the French striker with his follow through.

The Argus:

Griezmann put France ahead from the resulting spot-kick.

Ryan had been hoping to keep the Socceroos’ first World Cup clean sheet since a game against Chile in 1974.

Ryan had three saves to make in the first six minutes of the game.

The first was the most demanding as he got down sharply to deny Kylian Mbappe at his near post after just 90 seconds.

The Argus:

The keeper easily held a Pogba free-kick and then dived low to hold Griezmann’s deflected effort.

From then it as all quiet for the well-protected Ryan until the spot kick was awarded.

Griezmann and Ryan exchanged words before the spot kick as they watched footage of the foul on the big screen.

Ryan was then left motionless as the Atletico Madrid striker drilled his penalty just inside the post.

Australia levelled four minutes later through a Mile Jedinak spot kick after Samuel Umtiti handled.

The Argus:

The Argus:

Ryan later had to come hurriedly out of his box to clear an underhit Mathew Leckie back pass.

But he had no chance when Pogba's 80th-minute effort flicked off defender Aziz Behich, cleared the keeper and hit the underside of the bar before bouncing just behind the line.