France has it easy amidst immense controversy

Controversy seems to have become synonymous with the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. Beginning with the protests regarding the hosting of the tournament to the controversy related to the stadiums getting ready before the start of the tournament, Brazil has hit the headlines on numerous occasions. This time the problem cropped up when the players of France  and Honduras lined up for their respective national anthems to be played out. The players waited but the French anthem never got started and the referee finally asked the players to shake hands and move ahead into the match. Later on it was confirmed that a faulty PA system deprived the French of their national anthem.

Fortunately it did not do any harm to their focus in the match and they began in great manner surging ahead with loads of players into the Honduras box. Honduras played tough football and indulged in reckless tackles. Along with that the keeper also played brilliantly to keep France at bay till the 45^th minute. Palacios barged over Paul Pogba unnecessarily inside the penalty area and referee had no second thoughts about pointing to the spot and give marching orders to the defenders. Karim Benzema stepped up and gave France a deserved lead just before the stroke of half time.

Honduras began the second half with 10 men on the field and it seemed all but over for Honduras although the score was 1-0. But France didn’t have to wait long for the second of the night when the referee awarded an own goal to France in the 48^th minute of the match. The goalline technology came into being effectively for the first time in the world cup 2014 when it showed a goal after the ball had hit the Honduras goalie off the post and the referee had no other option other than going by the technology. With France leading 2-0 it was curtains down for Honduras and the French manager began to replace his key players before getting them injured by the rash tackles from the opponent players. France made the scoreline look more comprehensive in the 72^nd minute when Benzema found the back of the net for the third on the night and his second.

The 3-0 scoreline brought an air of calmness in the French camp for such a comfortable victory is always more desired in a tournament opener than achieved. And if the French players manage to keep up the good touch who knows they might be on the podium a month later.

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About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.