Benzema bagged the only goal of the game after 54 minutes but could have added to his tally as the hosts dominated.

Brazil were reduced to 10 men five minutes before the break when Hernanes saw red for a poor challenge on Benzema.

The match was a replay of the 1998 World Cup final played at the same venue, and it was the hosts who understandably appeared most motivated by that famous night nearly 13 years ago, when Les Bleus cantered to a 3-0 win.

Tonight's result also extended France's impressive unbeaten record in friendlies against the Brazilians stretching back to 1992.

France began brightly and might have gone ahead on eight minutes when Yoann Gourcuff played in Benzema but his shot went just wide.

Neither side pushed on in a scrappy first period but the game burst into life when Hernanes went in with a heavy challenge on Benzema and was deservedly dismissed by referee Wolfgang Stark.

With a man advantage France were far the better side after the break and it did not take long for them to go in front.

Jeremy Menez was the architect, his great run down the right ending with a cross which was coolly tucked away by Benzema.

Laurent Blanc's men kept pressing in a bid to increase their advantage but Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar kept the scoreline in the balance.

First he saved headers from Gourcuff and Benzema before again denying Benzema six minutes later as France had to settle for a single goal.