RIBEIRAO PRETO, Brazil – Aside from France's new-found panache in attack, it was the composure in the face of some ferocious tackling that really stood out in France's 3-0 World Cup win against Honduras.
Striker Karim Benzema took the acclaim after scoring twice and playing a decisive role in the other goal. But Sunday's Group E contest against a side reduced to 10 men just before halftime was really settled behind him as France's midfield and fullbacks kept calm in a hostile situation.
Four years ago, France's team could not even handle their nerves in training, let alone a match. Coach Didier Deschamps deserves a lot of credit for making sure there are cooler heads this time around.
With the exception of midfielder Paul Pogba, the French showed maturity to withstand some intense provocation.
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