Lucas Hernandez admits to acting up in France v Australia match
Full-back Lucas Hernandez has admitted that he exaggerated the effect of challenges against him in France's opening Group C tie against Australia.
The Atletico Madrid defender was looked at in bemusement from among the Australian ranks, as he went down in a dramatic fashion after several challenges and won multiple free-kicks as a result.
Following the game, the player received a lot of criticism for adding unnecessary theatrics to the game, and for not playing in the spirit of the game, but the Frenchman believes the complete opposite.
"It is part of the show, part of the game, I am used to doing it,
"It helps the team to buy some time. I do it from time to time. It is a part of me."
Hernandez's French team managed to beat Australia in an unconvincing display from one of the favourites to lift the World Cup, requiring a VAR-assisted penalty and a deflected shot from Man Utd midfielder Paul Pogba to overcome the Soceroos, who scored a penalty through midfielder Mile Jedinak.
Didier Deschamp's side will look to drastically improve their performance before their next game, which sees them take on Peru and Denmark in their remaining group fixtures.