International Friendly: France 1 Brazil 0

Karim Benzema’s solitary goal proved enough as France overcame 10-man Brazil at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

The French took full advantage of Brazilian midfielder Hernanes’ dismissal following a clumsy tackle five minutes before the interval, as Benzema bobbed up in the 54th minute to score the only goal of the game.

The hosts started brightly in Paris, with Benzema finding himself on the end of Yoann Gourcuff’s pass after nine minutes but the striker’s shot flashed just wide.The Brazilians responded strongly and were the dominant side for much of the first period, with Alexandre Pato hitting a curling shot just over the bar before Dani Alves had his free-kick blocked.

France came close on the half-hour mark when Alou Diarra’s header from yet another Gourcuff delivery sailed just over.

The game turned in France’s favour on the 40 minute mark when Benzema tried to control a bouncing ball only to be struck by Hernanes’ flailing boot, with the Brazilian midfielder receiving his marching orders from referee Wolfgang Stark.

Numbers won out after the break, with France taking control of the match and unlucky to finish only one ahead.

Roma winger Jeremy Menez made a great run nine minutes after the interval before firing a low cross to Benzema, who gratefully tapped home from close range.

The Real Madrid striker could have had a second moments later but Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar made a brilliant reflex save from his close-range header.

The Inter Milan shot stopper was on hand again just after the hour mark to stop a low effort from Benzema with the French pouring on the pressure as Brazil tired.

In the end the hosts settled for a timely1-0 win ahead of next month’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Luxembourg and Croatia.