Hugo Lloris hails "key man" Karim Benzema

France captain Hugo Lloris has backed Karim Benzema to be the team's "key man" at the World Cup.

The striker scored twice on Sunday as Les Blues opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Honduras.

"He is a decisive player for France, our key man, and he has shown that he is ready to take this opportunity," Lloris is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"The World Cup only comes every four years, so when you get the chance to play you have to enjoy the possibility to be at your best level and do everything for the team.

"This competition is the perfect platform for Karim to show everyone who he is and what he can do – and that is exactly what he has done."

France can take a big step towards the second round on Friday with a win over Switzerland in Salvador.