Korea Republic coach Shin Tae-yong began with a 4-3-3 formation with Son Heung-min occupying the left, Hwang Hee-chan the right and Kim Shin-wook in the centre as the East Asians spent much of the first 15 minutes on the front foot without creating a chance of note.

From then on, though, Sweden took a hold of the game and it seemed only a matter of time before the winning goal arrived, which it duly did when Andreas Granqvist converted a VAR awarded penalty in the 65th minute.

Jo was a surprise choice by coach Shin between the posts as the Daegu FC custodian picked up just his sixth cap for his national team ahead of more experienced duo Kim Seung-gyu and Kim Jin-hyeon.

Despite his relative inexperience, though, the 26-year-old shone in goal and made a string of saves that kept the Koreans in the game throughout the 90 minutes and he was only beaten by Andreas Granqvist’s 65th minute penalty.

Veteran Swedish skipper Granqvist scored the only goal of the game from the spot after Viktor Claesson was upended by Korea Republic substitute Kim Min-woo Kim in the 62nd minute.

Despite passionate appeals, El Salvadorean referee Joel Aguilar initially waved away Swedish penalty claims.

But after consulting the video, he pointed to the spot.

It was the third VAR penalty awarded in Russia 2018 after France and Peru also benefited from video referrals.

Jedinak, who scored Australia’s goal from the penalty spot, was picked in midfield alongside Aaron Mooy and the duo produced a stellar defensive display together with the centre-back pairing of Trent Sainsbury and Mark Milligan.

But despite limiting France’s chances and frustrating one of the favourites for the title in Russia 2018, Australia fell to an 81st minute Paul Pogba effort which deflected off  Aziz Behich into the goalmouth.

Jedinak, who had come off a gruelling club season with Aston Villa who he so nearly helped win promotion to the English Premier League, reiterated the message he shared with teammates during a post-game huddle on the pitch.

Since joining Marseille on a free transfer in 2016 Sakai has impressed coaches with his desire and drive to overcome a rocky start in Ligue 1 and become a firm favourite among the club's notoriously ruthless fans. 

Sakai's first few appearances for one of France's biggest and most passionately supported clubs were, in the words of former captain Jacky Bonnevay, "worrying". 

Sakai frequently gave the ball away, was reticent to get forward from his right-back position, and was caught out in defence.

Nishino was appointed as Vahid Halilhodzic’s replacement just two months before the tournament started following the former Algeria coach’s removal from the post by the Japan Football Association.

It was a contentious decision, but Troussier is convinced the hiring of Nishino can restore confidence and instill a greater Japanese identity within the squad as the nation prepares to make a sixth straight appearance at the Finals.

IR Iran lead the group after Matchday One, which saw the Central Asians scoring a heart-stopping 1-0 win over Morocco while Spain and Portugal played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the other match.

Up next for IR Iran are 2010 world champions Spain, who must be hurting after Cristiano Ronaldo's late free-kick not only gave him a hat-trick but salvaged a point for Portugal.