France Coach Didier Deschamps has hailed the performance of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in the 3-0 win over Honduras.
Les Bleus strolled past the Central Americans in their first World Cup game with Benzema scoring twice and coming close to a third, only for the goal to be given as an own goal by Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares.
AS reports Deschamps as praising Benzema’s contribution, but stressing that it was a team victory.
“Benzema was fantastic. He scored and has been decisive,” the 1998 World Cup winner said.
“We chose our team well, according to our opponents. We wanted a quick and mobile offensive line.
“Karim, Mathieu Valbuena and Antoine Griezmann have done very well. They destabilised the other team.”
France’s second goal, the own goal, was awarded on the advice of goal line technology but there was almost controversy when the replay first showed the ball hadn’t crossed the line when Benzema’s shot hit the post.
The footage then rolled on and confirmed it was a goal when Valladares accidentally knocked the ball over the line.
“It’s very positive in that the goal was right. The referee received a signal and…the image turned after the goalkeeper touched it,” Deschamps said.
“I understand the Honduras Coach was bothered because of the first image, but it wasn’t the correct image.”
