LONDON: Spain twice benefited from the use of video assistance to defeat France 2-0 on Tuesday, while Sweden rallied from two goals down to beat Portugal 3-2 and spoil Cristiano Ronaldo’s homecoming in Madeira.
Antoine Griezmann headed in what appeared to be the opening goal at the Stade de France in Paris shortly after half-time, but it was ruled out for offside after consultation with the video assistant referee.
David Silva then converted from the penalty spot after a foul by Laurent Koscielny, and the Spaniards again profited from technology as the referee reversed an offside decision that had initially negated Gerard’s Deulofeu 78th-minute effort.
“The victory was not a result of the [video] refereeing but due to the excellent work and attitude of my players,” said Spain coach Julen Lopetegui. “The [video] refereeing gave justice to this match, it resolved those two incidents fairly.”
Monaco’s teenage prodigy Kylian Mbappe made his first international start and nearly struck as early as the fifth minute, with David de Gea reacting sharply to kick away the Frenchman’s attempt.
Gerard Pique hooked a header from Koscielny off the line, while Andres Iniesta twice went close in the first half before video replays were used for the first time in France.
Griezmann’s celebrations after the break were cut short when Layvin Kurzawa was shown to be in an offside position as he set up the Atletico Madrid striker.
The linesman’s flag was then raised as Deulofeu tapped in Jordi Alba’s left-wing cross, but replays indicated the on-loan AC Milan winger was marginally behind Samuel Umtiti as the ball was played into the box.
“Playing Spain in a friendly is not a fun game, it never has been. But we need this,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.
Real Madrid star Ronaldo paraded the European Championship trophy before kick-off at the Maritimo Stadium as Portugal played their first match in his hometown of Funchal on the Madeira Islands since 2001.