Benzema (pen) ’45, Valladares (OG) ’48, Benzema ’72
Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Group E, World Cup Game #10
After a bizarre start to the game where there was confusion regarding the national anthems, the match was, nonetheless underway. France looked sharp from the get-go, with attacking midfielder Valbuena being the main catalyst as we’ve seen in the previous warm-up games.
The French forced a flurry of corners and free-kicks, including a Valbuena free-kick which found its way to PSG Midfielder Matuidi and he saw his reactionary shot excellently saved by the CD Olimpia man Valladares.
France controlled the first portion of the game, sharing the majority of possession and working around the Honduras goal area, looking more dangerous each time they attacked forward.
The South American team did not do too much to change the tempo of the game or disrupt the rhythm of the French.
The French continued to knock at the door with nice balance and pushing the ball around neatly, eventually led to an early chance where Griezmann hit the crossbar.
Mathieu Valbuena was most impressive performer so far and linked up well with Patrice Evra and putting lethal crosses into the box, trying to get striker Karim Benzema more involved who they desperately need to provide goals in the absence of Ribéry.
The Honduras side were living on an essence of survival and were just trying to hold it out against Les Bleus, who were looking fluid and collected, flooding areas, with lots of options down the flanks.
Then a scuffle broke out, Palacios and Pogba clash! The former goes down after the Frenchman kicks out but Palacios stamped on him before. It’s all kicking off and referee Ricci books Palacios and Pogba. Both were foolish in their actions but neither hurt one another. Common sense from the ref.
After the incident, the game became a bit flat and France lost some of their momentum, but were still able to thwart all of Honduras’ measly attempts at goal.
Later, Palacios stupidly charged into the back of Pogba. Idiocy from the Honduran! He is better than that but has lost his head today and sees RED! Penalty to France! and Benzema scores! Honduras go into the break needing a major reshuffle. France played great on the attack and now Honduras down to 10 men makes it even more easier for Les Bleus.
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| Benzema converts the penalty. |
2nd half begins… GOAL! The ball goes in off Valladares after Benzema shot. There is huge controversy as they debate whether it crossed the line or not, but the technology shows it does. Not a smooth transition to goal-line technology at all.
The French seem like they just want this game over with and want to risk damage to their key players. Also, Paul Pogba, on a booking, is brought off to protect him as Newcastle man Moussa Sissoko comes on.
Celtic LB Izaguirre then leaves a high boot on Mathieu Valbuena. This Honduras team are on one…
Action rolls on, and another incident seems inevitable, but France are becoming more composed and pushing for a 3rd. This is turning into Sunday League stuff as the Hondurans continue to play dirt this time hacking at Valbuena.
France continue to attack and Valbuena cut a free-kick out to Debuchy, the full-back’s long-range shot is deflected into Benzema’s path. The striker fires it into the back of the net, no doubt about this goal.
Glorious finish.
The French comfortably closed out the game and left the Estádio Beira-Rio with a excellently executed win over Honduras.
Match Breakdown
Man of the Match: Mathieu Valbuena.
Flop of the Match: Hondura’s Sportsmanship.
Possession: France: 63%, Honduras 37%.
Shots: France: 20 (10), Honduras: 4 (2).
Personal Verdict: “It’ was a conformable win for France, dominating from start to end. Three points, three goals. Tres bien…”
The French looked good at Sunday night with the 3-goal win over Honduras, they’ll take some stopping and although early, could emerge as a dark horse in the tournament.
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