This was one of the few games in the World Cup so far that went according to plan.
Forward Karim Benzema had a hand in all three of France’s goals against their Group E opponents, showing no fear in his first World Cup appearance.
The game wasn’t without its share of controversy and physicality, as the Hondurans tried their patented rough approach with their more talented opponents, only it didn’t work.
Honduras combative midfielder Wilson Palacios drew the ire of Paul Pogba with a cynical challenge on France’s young play maker. Pogba would retaliate and was lucky to not be sent off, instead the referee generously awarded yellow cards to both players.
Then right before the first half was set to be completed, Palacios received another yellow card for another silly foul on Pogba in the penalty box, which not only resulted in a penalty kick for France but him being sent off.
Benzema then stepped up the spot and calmly deposited the ball in the back of the net with incredible force.
So France went into the interval leading by a goal and with a man advantage for the next 45 minutes of the game. And it wasn’t long after the restart that they made Honduras pay. As Benzema looped a shot past goalkeeper Noel Valladares that hit the upright made its way back to the Honduran who fumbled it over the line.
The play had to be reviewed using FIFA’s goal-line technology for the first time ever, and after minutes of deliberation France was given their 2-0 lead.
Then in the 72th minute Benzema was at it again as he latched on to the ricocheted ball in the crowed penalty box and sent it into the roof of the net giving Valladares no shot whatsoever.
Honduras gave a valiant effort but they were just outclassed by a superior France team that was determined to make up for the debacle that was their 2010 World Cup campaign.
BSO Man of the Match: Karim Benzema
