For 45 minutes, it seemed as though Honduras was going to be a pain in France’s neck as they kept them scoreless throughout much of the first half.
However, one penalty late in the first half changed the complexion of the game.
A yellow card against Honduras’ Wilson Palacios set up a penalty kick for France’s Karim Benzema in the 45th minute. Benzema converted on the PK and added another goal in the second half as France went on to beat Honduras, 3-0, in Group E play.
The yellow card was the second of the game for Palacios, who was ejected as a result, forcing Honduras to play with ten men for the rest of the game.
The man down hurt Honduras as France dominated the second half, adding two more goals to finish off Los Catrachos.
The second goal came in the 48th minute when Benzema received a cross from teammate Yohan Cabaye and fired a shot off the right post. While the ball rode on top of the goal line, Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares made an effort to prevent the ball from going in, but failed as the ball barely crossed the line. Goal line technology confirmed the goal and Valladares was credited with an own goal.
France finished the scoring in the 72nd minute when Benzema added his second goal of the day and put the dagger in the hearts of the Hondurans.
This was France’s first World Cup victory since 2006. Both teams return to action on Friday when France takes on Switzerland and Honduras plays Ecuador.
