FRANCE 3-0 HONDURAS
It was an absolute thrashing of Honduras by France in a game primarily highlighted by the first use of goal-line technology at the World Cup.
Outplayed in every aspect of the game from start to finish, Honduras didn't look as if they even belonged on the same pitch as France, who were able to control the ball at will and pepper Noel Valladares with shots.
It was also a chippy affair with 8 cards being handed out and several players being stretchered off at various points in the match.
Overwhelmingly the better team in the first half, France did not reap the rewards of their fine play until just before the break. Already with a yellow card to his name, Wilson Palacios tumbled over Paul Pogba in the Honduran penalty area leading to a French penalty kick and a sending off for Palacios. Karim Benzema converted the penalty and Honduras were left to scramble in defence down a man the rest of the match.
The insurance goal came just after the half and it was not without controversy. A Benzema volley from goalside bounced off the post and shot across the line hitting the back of Valladares. The ball appeared to just go over the line before Valladares snatched it out. Goal-line technology confirmed the ball was in but in a confusing manner. The technology looked at both the ricochet from the post and Valladares snatching the ball out. It ruled the post bounce as NO GOAL correctly, but many in the stadium seemed to think it meant the goal as a whole was wiped out. The matter eventually was resolved correctly and France led 2-0.
Benzema had credit for that goal taken from him but made no mistake in the 72nd when he took a friendly bounce off a Mathieu Debuchy shot and fired the ball in to the top corner. Honduras had one opportunity to score following but Boniek Garcia put the ball harmlessly in to the arms of Hugo Lloris.
A very disappointing effort from Honduras who were overwhelmed by the atmosphere and opponent and certainly won themselves no fans with the constant fouling and writhing on the ground on agony (whether real or simulated).
Outplayed in every aspect of the game from start to finish, Honduras didn't look as if they even belonged on the same pitch as France, who were able to control the ball at will and pepper Noel Valladares with shots.
It was also a chippy affair with 8 cards being handed out and several players being stretchered off at various points in the match.
Overwhelmingly the better team in the first half, France did not reap the rewards of their fine play until just before the break. Already with a yellow card to his name, Wilson Palacios tumbled over Paul Pogba in the Honduran penalty area leading to a French penalty kick and a sending off for Palacios. Karim Benzema converted the penalty and Honduras were left to scramble in defence down a man the rest of the match.
The insurance goal came just after the half and it was not without controversy. A Benzema volley from goalside bounced off the post and shot across the line hitting the back of Valladares. The ball appeared to just go over the line before Valladares snatched it out. Goal-line technology confirmed the ball was in but in a confusing manner. The technology looked at both the ricochet from the post and Valladares snatching the ball out. It ruled the post bounce as NO GOAL correctly, but many in the stadium seemed to think it meant the goal as a whole was wiped out. The matter eventually was resolved correctly and France led 2-0.
Benzema had credit for that goal taken from him but made no mistake in the 72nd when he took a friendly bounce off a Mathieu Debuchy shot and fired the ball in to the top corner. Honduras had one opportunity to score following but Boniek Garcia put the ball harmlessly in to the arms of Hugo Lloris.
A very disappointing effort from Honduras who were overwhelmed by the atmosphere and opponent and certainly won themselves no fans with the constant fouling and writhing on the ground on agony (whether real or simulated).
Goals
France: Karim Benzema (45', 72'), Noel Valladares (48' OG)
Honduras: N/A
Discipline
France: Patrice Evra (Yellow 7'), Paul Pogba (Yellow 28'), Yohan Cabaye (Yellow 45+2')
Honduras: Wilson Palacios (Yellow 27', 43'; Red 43'), Luis Garrido (Yellow 83'), Oscar Boniek Garcia (Yellow 53')
Man of the Match
Karim Benzema was the star for France with 2 goals to his credit and only missed out on the hat trick because the second goal was credited to Valladares. Several French players stood out but Benzema was an easy choice with his quality goalscoring.
Key Moment
Overwhelmed from the get-go, Wilson Palacios shouldered Paul Pogba to the ground in the penalty area just before half. The play sent Palacios to the showers, and gave France their first goal off the ensuing penalty kick. Down a man, Honduras had no hope of ever responding to the constant French onslaught.
What we learned from France
Efficient, and dangerous in both ends of the field, they appear to be the class of Group E. The defence had no difficulty repelling all attacks Honduras could muster and they got scoring chances up front from several different players. Able to move the ball through the midfield and on the wings, there were no complaints about the French effort.
What we learned from Honduras
If you're an underdog trying to win a crowd over, maybe don't fill the game with reckless fouls and dives. It was a pathetic display from Honduras, both in terms of their play and in their antics on field. Missing Palacios for their next game, Honduras had no ambition going forward and no tactics on the defensive end.
Going Forward
France and Switzerland were expected to advance handily and that hasn't changed in any way as a result of today's games. Ecuador may be able to challenge for third but Honduras will be very hard pressed to find a way to get any points in this group.
France and Switzerland were expected to advance handily and that hasn't changed in any way as a result of today's games. Ecuador may be able to challenge for third but Honduras will be very hard pressed to find a way to get any points in this group.
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