Risdon’s debut not all roses after tackle controversy

Bunbury’s Josh Risdon will remember his World Cup debut for all the wrong reasons, after he was involved in a controversial penalty in France’s 2-1 win over the Socceroos on Saturday night.

The 25-year-old brought down Antoine Griezmann in the box during the first half with what appeared to be a clean tackle, but the video assistant referee deemed it to be illegal and France were awarded a penalty.

Griezmann slotted the goal from the spot to give the French team the lead, before the Socceroos hit back with a goal from Mile Jedinak thanks to another penalty just four minutes later.

France went 2-1 in the 80th minute to hand the Socceroos a disappointing defeat.

The game was the biggest of Risdon’s career, with the former Perth Glory defender playing in front of a massive crowd in Russia.

Australia are now preparing for their next game, when they take on Denmark on Thursday night.