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Deschamps hails opening win

France coach Didier Deschamps congratulated his side for a comprehensive victory over Honduras in their World Cup opener at Porto Alegre.

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Les Bleus comfortably outplayed their Group E opponents, who seemed more intent on executing a series of rash tackles than anything else, and walked away with a deserved 3-0 win.

Karim Benzema, who was named FIFA's Man of the Match, scored twice as well as seeing his shot canon off the frame of the goal before being spilled over the line for an own-goal by Noel Valladares.

"I am very happy and very proud," he said. "The most important thing is the victory. Some people may judge me on the number of goals, but for me, the way I played is what counts."

Honduras saw their crossbar struck twice but had somehow managed to maintain the deadlock until Wilson Palacios barged Paul Pogba in the box, conceding a penalty and being sent off for a second yellow card.

Deschamps was a contented man at the end of the match, telling TF1: "This is a very good start. We've had good times during our preparation, but this is competition. Winning today is a very good start.

"We will enjoy this victory... 3-0 win in the World Cup, because it's never easy. We have been patient. We had our chance and hit the bar twice in the first period.

"We did well. Pleasure is total in football when there is victory.

"Congratulations to the players."