Goal-line technology was used for the first time at a World Cup as France coasted past ten-man Honduras in an ill-tempered Group E clash at Estadio Beira-Rio.
Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares diverted into his own net just after half time and while the GoalControl technology confirmed that a goal had been scored, it was not clear cut to the naked eye.
But despite protests from Honduras – and a smattering of boos from the crowd – the goal was upheld by Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci.
Karim Benzema also struck twice – including a first-half penalty – but the drama unfolded on 25 minutes when former Manchester United starlet Paul Pogba and Wilson Palacios were involved in a bust-up.
Palacios appeared to kick Pogba who responded by lashing out, but Ricci only saw fit to issue yellow cards. However, Stoke City midfielder Palacios was sent off for his second bookable offence moments before half time after pushing Pogba in the penalty box.
Neither side's national anthem was played before the match after a glitch in the PA system but actions spoke louder than words in a feisty opening passage in Porto Alegre.
Mathieu Valbuena ignited the game with a teasing cross which left Valladares flapping before Patrice Evra chopped down Andy Najar to receive the game's first booking.
Both nations continue to snipe at each other and, with Pogba at the controls, France maintained the initiative – and a combination of woodwork and Valladares kept them out.
First Blaise Matuidi unleashed a vicious shot after more clever work from Valbuena that Valladares, who has only ever plied his trade in Honduras' national league, palmed onto the crossbar.
Then Antoine Griezmann beat his man but his header also crashed off the bar but the winger, Valbuena and Benzema continued to threaten.
Griezmann's raking pass sparked a move between the trio that ended in Benzema nodding over, before the histrionics of Pogba and Palacios took centre stage.
Palacios initially fouled Pogba before replays showed Palacios aiming a further two kicks at the 21-year-old.
That sparked a reaction from Pogba, swiping a leg at Palacios – who promptly hit the deck beside the Juventus man.
After several minutes of deliberation, referee Ricci gave both players reprieve after deciding to issue a pair of yellow cards.
However, Palacios would eventually see red moments before half time after a hefty shove on Pogba in the box saw him pick up a second yellow.
The penalty was put on hold after protests from the Honduran players but once they were cleared, an ice-cool Benzema stroked home.
No sooner had the second half started than more drama unfolded, as goal-line technology underwent its first serious test at a World Cup.
Former Newcastle playmaker Yohan Cabaye's perfectly-threaded ball found Benzema, who struck the post before the ball ricocheted off Valladares and into the net.
The GoalControl technology – which differs from the Hawk-Eye system used in the Premier League – first confirmed that Benzema's initial strike did not clear the line, but that the deflection off Valladares did.
That did not stop protests from Honduras' camp but the own goal stood as the game increasingly became ragged due to their frustrations.
Pogba was withdrawn by France coach Didier Deschamps to ensure his temper did not get the better of him, but there were still goals left in the game as Griezmann flashed wide.
Maynor Figueroa hacked down Valbuena in a series of Honduran nibbles at French heels but Benzema put the game to bed in the 72nd minute with a thunderous shot from an acute angle.
The game then simmered down to walking pace as France survived any further controversy to get their World Cup and running after a winless tournament in 2010.
