France U20 Edge South Africa 2-1 to Open World Cup Campaign in Chile

Bernard Diomède’s reshaped squad overcame a VAR setback to start Group E with three points.

Overview

Anthony Bermont put France ahead early in the first half.
A VAR review led to a penalty after an Elyaz Zidane error, and Jody Ah Shene converted for South Africa.
Lucas Michal scored in the 81st minute to clinch the win for the French side.
France competed without several standout U20s retained by their clubs, including Désiré Doué and Warren Zaïre-Emery.
The Group E opener aired on La Chaîne L’Équipe, with the United States next for France on Thursday.