France 3-0 Honduras: Benzema-inspired Les Bleus down Los Catrachos
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema notched a
brace and forced an own-goal as France defeated
Honduras 3-0 in their Group E opener in Brasilia.
Les Bleus created numerous chances throughout the
game, with both Blaise Matuidi and Antoine
Griezmann hitting the woodwork as Didier
Deschamps’ side controlled the first-half with
relative ease.
The game was keenly contested and tempers flared
when Paul Pogba and Wilson Palacios clashed in
midfield, with the Juventus midfielder appearing to
kick out at Palacios.
Despite the Honduras bench calling for Pogba to be
sent off, both players were issued with a yellow
card.
Moments before half-time, France were awarded a
penalty after Pogba was bundled over in the area by
Palacios – with the Honduras midfielder receiving
his second yellow card and subsequent marching
orders.
Benzema scored his first of the game after firing the
resulting spot-kick into the top-left corner- giving
France a well-deserved lead before the break.
Early in the second-half, goal line technology ruled
that Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares had
fumbled Benzema’s strike over the line and France’s
second goal was confirmed – officially as a
Valladares own goal.
France’s Benzema was in imperious form and he
scored his second of the game twenty minutes from
time.
Mathieu Debuchy’s deflected shot fell into his path
and the former Lyon man fired into the roof of
Valladares’ goal – giving France their third goal and
a deserved three points.
As well as the three points, France will be just as
happy to have departed without serious injury after
90 minutes of late tackles and physical intimidation
from their less illustrious opponents.
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