Karim Benzema was in fine form as France eased to a 3-0 win over 10-man Honduras in a Group E match of the World Cup played in Porto Alegre.

France dominated proceedings and created many chances through Mathieu Valbuena but the Honduras defence was resolute in keeping the French forays at bay.

That changed in two dramatic minutes either side of half-time, first as Wilson Palacios received his marching order after conceding a penalty which Benzema converted to give France the lead going into half-time.

France then got a 2-0 lead a minute into the second half after Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares spilled the ball from Benzema’s shot which rebounded off the inside of the post.

The goal was eventually given by the referee after goal line technology had to be deployed to confirm the goal, given as an own goal scored by Valladares.

Benzema would get his second and France’s third in the 72nd minute, lashing high into the Honduras goal after a Mathieu Debuchy shot was deflected to his path.

The goal was France’s first open goal in five World Cup matches, sealing a win that puts Les Bleus top of Group E ahead of Switzerland that came from behind to beat Ecuador 2-1 earlier.