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PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil -- Karim Benzema scored twice and created a third that was confirmed by goal-line technology as France beat Honduras 3-0 Sunday in its first World Cup match. http://www.authenticdolphinsshop.com/Jawuan-James-Dolphins-Jersey . The dominant win was a relief for France, whose team of highly paid players failed to win in South Africa and was sent home in a disgrace after going on a training strike. "Winning 3-0 at a World Cup isnt easy," France coach Didier Deschamps said. "(The players should) savour the moment, theres nothing more wonderful." France dominated the match from the opening whistle, despite a series of scrappy tackles by the Honduran team seeking its first World Cup win. Benzemas first goal came from the penalty spot just before halftime after Wilson Palacios was sent off with his second yellow card for charging into the back of Paul Pogba. The Real Madrid striker calmly slotted the ball to the left of Noel Valladares to give Les Bleus a deserved lead going into the break. With Honduras down to 10 men, France continued to dominate and Benzema created the second goal in the 48th minute -- the first to be confirmed by goal-line technology at the World Cup. Benzema latched onto a long ball by Yohan Cabaye and his shot hit the post and came back across goal before Valladares fumbled it over his own line. With the new technology system confirming the ball crossed the line, referee Sandro Ricci gave the own goal despite Honduran protests. Benzema scored his second in the 72nd, firing in powerfully from inside the area after a long range shot by right back Mathieu Debuchy was blocked. "Its my first World Cup and I think were all satisfied with the result," Benzema said. "It was important to win this match." French keeper Hugo Lloris didnt have to touch the ball until the 31 minute and didnt have to make a save all night. France looked dangerous from the start, with Blaise Matuidi and Antoine Griezmann both hitting the crossbar before the half-hour mark. The only downside for the French fans was that the teams national anthems werent played before the game because of an apparent malfunction -- meaning they didnt get a chance to sing "La Marseillaise." FIFA did not immediately give an explanation to why the anthems werent played. Dion Sims Jersey For Sale . With Bayern playing the Club World Cup final in Morocco, Leverkusen and Dortmund could have gained some ground on the undefeated leader. But Leverkusen went down 1-0 at Werder Bremen and Dortmund lost 2-1 at home to Hertha Berlin, leaving Bayern seven points ahead of Leverkusen and 12 ahead of Dortmund, with one match in hand. Brent Grimes Green Jersey .S. Senate urged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to change the Washington Redskins name, saying it is nothing less than a racist slur and the time is ripe to replace it. Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Galaxy used three goalkeepers in order to secure a 0-0 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes. Donovan Ricketts returned from the Gold Cup to take his place between the posts for the Galaxy (9-2-8), and after making a few big saves early in the match, he had to leave the game with an arm injury after a collision with Khari Stephenson of San Jose in the 23rd minute. Josh Saunders then took the place of Ricketts, but only lasted 20 minutes as he was sent off shortly before halftime for hitting San Joses Steven Lenhart in the face with an elbow after Lenhart knocked the ball out of his hands. This left midfielder Mike Magee to take over in goal as well as thhe Galaxy having to play a man down. Mike Pouncey Orange Jersey. The Quakes should have been able to take advantage of the situation in the second half, but outside of a late chance for Lenhart, Magee went relatively untested over the final 45 minutes. San Jose (5-5-5) came out firing early in the match as Simon Dawkins struck the post in the opening 30 seconds before Ricketts produced a nice double save a few minutes later, first denying Dawkins again before keeping out Ryan Johnsons rebound attempt. But after both of L.A.s goalkeepers were forced to the sideline the Galaxy back line tightened up and Magee was called upon late to keep out a close- range shot from Lenhart with his legs, helping the Galaxy extend its unbeaten streak to 10 games. ' ' ' |
