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Spain take on video arbitration for 2-0 win against France in football friendly

Xinhua, March 29, 2017 Adjust font size:

Video arbitration benefitted Spain twice in a 2-0 road victory over France in an international football friendly here on Tuesday.

French forward Antoine Griezmann's header early in the second half was ruled offside by video replay in its first ever appearance in French football matches, while Gerard Deulofeu's shot was justified for Spanish second goal of the game.

Compared with last Saturday's World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg, French head coach Didier Deschamps made six changes to Les Bleus starting line-up, as 18-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who welcomed his international debut three days ago, earned a place on attacking line along with Atletico Madrid duo Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann.

Mbappe forced Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea into a save five minutes into the game, before Andres Iniesta almost built a lead for the visitors with his two shots, one off the post, the other blocked by Hugo Lloris.

Griezmann finished a header which seemed to be the opening goal of the game in the 47th minute, while being denied by video assistance for offside.

Spain took on a penalty, converted by David Silva, for a lead in the 68th minute. Deulofeu doubled the lead nine minutes later, also thanks to video replay system, as it was originally waved off by linesman.

Crowds at the Stade de France paid their hommage to French football legend Raymond Kopa and former vice-president of French Football Federation Jean Verbeke with one-minute applause before the game.

French players will go back to their respective clubs after finishing international duties for France, who lead Group A in World Cup qualifiers with 13 points. Endit