After an embarrassing performance in the 2010 World Cup, France made their presence in Brazil known with a dominating 3-0 win over Honduras.
Things took a turn for the worst for Honduras when Wilson Palacios was sent off for picking up his second yellow card when he took down Paul Pogba in the box to give France a penalty. Karim Benzema, a powerful forward who plays his club football for Real Madrid, took the penalty and gave Honduras goalkeeper, Noel Valladares, no chance to save it, blasting the ball in the corner of the net. Palacios made a foolish tackle, shouldering Pogba in the back and making no play on the ball.
Honduras was hanging on for deer life as they were being dominated in possession by the French in the first half and it was only a matter of time before they conceded a goal to the Group E favorites.
Not only would Honduras be playing a man down for the second half, they had history against them as well. France has never lost a World Cup game in which they had a halftime lead.
The second half, like the first, was dominated by Les Bleus with them doubling their lead just three minutes in. Karim Benzem's left footed effort bounced off the inside of the post and was then bobbled by Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares into his own net. There was some question on whether or not the ball crossed the goal line, but on second look it was clear that it did.
From that point on, it was only a question of how much France would win by, as Honduras frantically tried to defend France's overwhelming attack with just 10 men. With the game pretty much in their hands, France was able to substitute out Paul Pogba and Yohan Cabaye who both picked up yellow cards in the first half.
Benzema, who Goal.com said almost did not start the game for France, eventually got his second goal when Honduras was unable to clear free kick. Benzema picked up his 23rd goal for France with a strong strike that Valladares's was able to get a finger on, but not keep out of the net.
It was always going to be an uphill battle for Honduras who simply did not have enough talent to keep up with France, whoBleacerReport believes will make it to the quarterfinals.
France takes on Switzerland on June 20 in what will be a battle for the top spot in Group E. Honduras and Ecuador play on June 20 as well as they will be attempting to get their first points of the tournament.