SM
Leicester vs. Arsenal: 6 hrs 54 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
FN
International Friendlies
Oct 11, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
PN

2-1

Benzema (3'), Pogba (69')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Quaresma (77' pen.)

Half-Time Report: Karim Benzema hands France early lead over Portugal

:Headline: Half-Time Report: Karim Benzema hands France early lead over Portugal: ID:181960: from db_amp
Karim Benzema puts France 1-0 up against Portugal in an international friendly at the Stade de France.

France lead Portugal 1-0 after an entertaining first 45 minutes of the all-European friendly in Paris.

It took Les Bleus just three minutes to break the deadlock, as Rui Patricio could only parry Bacary Sagna's shot into the path of Karim Benzema, who gleefully slotted the ball home from close range.

Antoine Griezmann pounced on defensive confusion soon after and toe poked an effort goalwards, but Patricio was able to hold onto the shot on this occasion.

The home side had a slice of fortune in the 11th minute, though, as Danny blazed a shot high into the Stade de France stands after being released inside the box by a quickly-taken Cristiano Ronaldo throw in.

France found joy time and again down the right flank, and the Portugal defence were forced into a number of last-ditch clearances throughout the half, while Benzema hesitated on the ball and wasted a good opportunity on the stroke of the break.

Portugal reminded the home side of their attacking prowess and almost levelled in the 21st minute when Nani intercepted the ball after hesitation from Yohan Cabaye and Eliaquim Mangala, but the winger's low shot rolled narrowly wide of the far post.

Pepe almost inadvertently looped a header into his own net from a deep free kick, but Patricio was alert to tip the falling ball over the bar shortly before the break as Portugal ensured that they were only down by one.

amp_article__181960 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2014-10-13 00:21:47:
html db last update - 2014-10-13 00:21:47 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool24176158233557
2Arsenal24148249222750
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Chelsea25127647341343
5Manchester CityMan City24125748351341
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2591063838037
9Aston Villa2410773437-337
10Fulham249963632436
11Brentford2494114242031
12Crystal Palace247982830-230
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
15Everton246992530-527
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2476112946-1727
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .