Benzema gives France victory over 10-man Brazil

France's Karim Benzema reacts after scoring a goal against Brazil during their international friendly soccer match at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris Feb 9, 2011.

PARIS - France stepped up their post-World Cup revival and brought back memories of home glory in 1998 as Karim Benzema struck to give them a 1-0 win over 10-man Brazil at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

Benzema, left unattended in the middle of the box, converted a perfect cross from Jeremy Menez in the 55th minute to settle a match played at the scene of France's 3-0 triumph over the same opponents in the World Cup final 13 years ago.

Brazil started well but the game turned when Hernanes was sent off in the 40th minute for kicking Benzema.

After the interval, France, who are regaining their form after last year's first-round exit and off-field controversies at the World Cup in South Africa, put on a more spirited display.

"Obviously, playing with 11 men against 10 made things easier but I liked what I saw", France coach Laurent Blanc said. "I think Karim had a great match."

Both teams had 2010 World Cups to forget, with Brazil bundled out by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, but they have been showing signs of improvement with rejuvenated teams.

France confirmed their upwards progress and grabbed their fifth success in a row after two initial defeats under Laurent Blanc's orders while the Brazilians slumped to their second defeat in a row after a 1-0 loss to Argentina in the Autumn.

Blanc also found satisfaction in his central defensive pair composed of Lille's Adil Rami and AS Rome's Philippe Mexes who produced a solid display.

Brazil's Hernanes (11) reacts as he gets a red card from referee Wolfgang Stark during their international friendly soccer match against France at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris Feb 9, 2011.

Brazil's Romario (top) jumps to head the ball on top of Ecuador's Edson Montano in a Conmebol U-20 championship soccer match in Arequipa Feb 9, 2011.

(Agencies)