Benzema ensures France defeat ten-man Brazil

France 1-0 Brazil
A second-half goal from Karim Benzema earned France victory against ten-man Brazil and extended Les Bleus' unbeaten record against their South American opponents to six matches dating back to 1992.

It was also Benzema who squandered the best opportunity of the first period, when he latched on to Yoann Gourcuff's astute flick before volleying wide of Júlio César's goal. Brazil began to control possession thereafter but were up against it numerically after S.S. Lazio midfielder Hernanes − making his third appearance for the Seleção − was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on the goalscorer.

France, whose centre-back pairing of Philippe Mexès and Adil Rami were coping admirably with the threat of AC Milan duo Pato and Robinho, forged ahead after 54 minutes, Benzema tapping in from Jérémy Menez's fine run and cut-back. Júlio César prevented Laurent Blanc's team from extending their lead late on, while Brazil could yet have prevented France from recording their fifth consecutive win had Hulk not been foiled by Hugo Lloris when one on one with the goalkeeper in the last seconds.