Spain Beat France 2-0 as Video Technology Plays Role Multiple Times

Spain beat France 2-0 in an international friendly at the Stade de France in Paris as video assistance for officials was trialled during the contest on Tuesday.

A penalty from David Silva and a finish from Gerard Deulofeu were enough for the Spanish in the second half, as Antoine Griezmann had a goal correctly ruled out by video replay.

Here is a look at the two incidents in question and how the video refereeing worked, per Melody and PlayerPro:

Griezmann featured in attack with teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe for France. Silva, Vitolo and Diego Costa all dropped out of the starting lineup for Spain, as the visitors chose Alvaro Morata to lead the attacking unit.

Xavier Laine/Getty Images

Spain controlled the early stages, with the French struggling to dominate territory through the first half.

However, the hosts almost took the lead as Laurent Koscielny's header was stopped by Gerard Pique.

Morata had La Roja's best chance as he combined with Pedro, but the Real Madrid player failed to convert.

Mbappe almost announced his arrival as his shot was deflected wide, but the encounter remained goalless as the referee blew his whistle for half-time.

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

The crowd witnessed video assistance for the referee in use immediately after the restart as Griezmann was given offside after a review.

The striker was adjudged offside by the video assistant after the referee awarded the goal—and TV replays showed it was the correct decision to chalk off the finish.

TalkSport's Adrian Durham immediately objected to the use of the replay, despite the justification in accuracy:

However, football writer Philippe Auclair gave the use of technology a favourable response:

The deadlock was finally broken after 68 minutes as the visitors won a penalty after sloppy play by the French defence.

Koscielny fouled substitute Deulofeu, and the referee pointed to the spot as he swiftly spoke to his assistants via his microphone.

Substitute Silva made no fuss of the spot-kick, finding the bottom corner just when the hosts had started to gain a foothold in the contest.

The video assistant was used once more as Deulofeu finished past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The player's run was level with the last defender, and once again the correct decision was made after a quick consultation.

Broadcaster Stan Collymore backed the use of the video replay:

France could not find a way back into the game after Deulofeu's strike, and Spain cantered to the win with the buffer they needed in the scoreline.

The hosts improved early in the second half, but Spain's class was evident late in the day.

It was a successful night for the use of technology, with the officials able to correctly make calls with video at their disposal.

Fans will certainly find the use of technology strange, but the additional stoppage time at the end of the contest could bring fresh excitement in future.

After the match, Mbappe offered his opinion on the new technology. "I am for video technology but to have to wait two minutes after a goal is too long," he said, per Goal.