The Parc des Princes has never been a suitable stadium for Karim Benzema's exploits.
With Olympique Lyonnais or Real Madrid, the striker has never scored in the walls of the west of the capital.
It is with the French team that the recent winner of the League of Nations registered his only achievement at the Park.
A goal against an ordinary team, Australia beaten 6-0 this evening of October 11, 2013. But very important when put in context.
By scoring in the 51st minute of play, Benzema ended 15 games and 1,222 minutes without finding the opposing net in Blue.
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The series began on June 5… 2012 after a double against Estonia (4-0) in a friendly.
Euro 2012, qualifying for the 2014 World Cup and a few friendlies later, the kid from Bron (Rhône) could not do it despite 15 tenures under the orders of Laurent Blanc then Didier Deschamps (for two benches).
A lack of success which fuels the debates around his place in Blue and competition at the forefront of the attack with Olivier Giroud.
Especially since the France team is struggling in its goal of qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil, overtaken by Spain.
Substitute at kick-off, whistled at his entrance
And then arrives this week of autumn 2013. With two matches on the program: the reception of Australia in a friendly at the Parc des Princes and Finland at the Stade de France for the last playoff game. After being a substitute in mid-September, Benzema is still starting on the bench against the Kangaroos. "I'm not unhappy if I find myself replacing," he said three days before at a press conference. It bothers me not to help the France team to score more goals ”. The Parisian evening will allow him to switch back to the good side.
Author of a double in the first period, Giroud gives way to him at the break.
Six minutes later, Benzema found the Australian nets on an assist from Franck Ribéry.
Deliverance for the attacker and the whole audience.
"He scored, he scored," chanted the Parc des Princes, half-roomer, half-relieved when Benzema had been whistled when he came into play. "I'm happy for Karim, will rejoice Ribery after the meeting.
I have special contact with him.
Seeing him from time to time sad not to score is not easy.
I know the page is turned tonight.
It does him good, his loved ones too ”.
“I'm very happy, I didn't give up,” added Benzema.
VIDEO.
Franck Ribéry: with his goal, Benzema "has turned the page"
A few days later, the future winner of the 2014 Champions League will score again against Finland (3-0).
Before another goal, much more decisive on November 19 against Ukraine (3-0) at the Stade de France which helps the Blues to join the Brazilian World Cup.
Benzema will never again experience such a long scarcity, in club as in selection.
Recalled since June 2021 with the France team after a break of nearly five years, he has 33 goals in 92 caps.