France took on Honduras in the opening game of group E.
In a physical battle, France had to endure tactics that they will probably not face again for some time. Honduras set out to leave their mark (literally) on the French by trying to break up the play and unsettle the game. There were many opportunities for the French to take the lead but could not find a way through. Play was halted after the two sets of teams clashed after an off the ball incident. A petulant stamp on Pogba, resulted in him kicking out. Both players were lucky not to have been sent off. Palacios however did end up being sent off for another needless tackle which resulted in a penalty cooly dispatched by Benzema.
The tactics didn't change in the 2nd half for Honduras as they continued to take chunks out of the French and another red card was certain to happen (thankfully it didn't). France applied more pressure and early in the 2nd half a sweet cross and volley ricocheted off the post, across the line, hit the keeper which he scooped away. Hawkeye was used to confirm the ball did actually cross the line after hitting the goalie. More tackles flew in, and the French thankful that no one got seriously injured. A set piece whipped in fell to Benzema to rifle in his 2nd and France's 3rd.
The odd chance here and there for Honduras but in the end a comfortable win for France.
