PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil – France striker Karim Benzema scored a penalty shortly before halftime to give his side a 1-0 lead against Honduras at the midway point of their Group E game at the World Cup on Sunday.
The spot kick was given after Wilson Palacios was sent off with his second yellow card for charging into the back of Paul Pogba.
Benzema calmly put the ball to the left of goalkeeper Noel Valladares to give the French a deserved lead after they dominated the first half.
A succession of scrappy tackles by Honduras broke down France's attacking play, but the Europeans were dangerous down both flanks.
Honduras never looked dangerous. French keeper Hugo Lloris made his first touch on 31th minute.
