In-form France please Blanc

France coach Laurent Blanc praised his players for both their performance and the final result as they recorded a fifth consecutive victory by beating ten-man friendly opponents Brazil 1-0 at the Stade de France.

Karim Benzema notched the only goal of the game following excellent approach play from Jérémy Menez after 54 minutes, his strike punishing a Brazil side reduced to ten players following the dismissal of S.S. Lazio midfielder Hernanes shortly before the interval. Benzema went close to netting a second as Les Bleus extended their unbeaten run against the South American giants to six games.

"We're always happy to win at home in front of our own fans," said Blanc. "Brazil are a reference point in football, even if they were down to ten players and that helped us. I'm satisfied with the result and also with how the game went. Tonight I'm pleased with everyone in the team and the squad as a whole."

France centre-back Philippe Mexès pinpointed the sending-off as a turning point. "We were a bit tense at the start, but we were able to play with more confidence given how the game went," he explained. "We were able to start imposing our game on a well-organised Brazil team. Against ten players, we found more space."

Les Bleus will look to continue their excellent run of form when they return to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying away against Luxembourg on 25 March. The Group D leaders currently boast nine points from four games.