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

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.