France didn't deserve to lose, claims Benzema

The Bleus star was disappointed with his side's 1-0 World Cup qualifying loss against Spain at the Stade de France, Pedro netting the only goal in a tight affair

France striker Karim Benzema claims that his side did not deserve to lose in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Spain.

La Roja triumphed 1-0 in a tight affair at the Stade de France thanks to a strike from Barcelona star Pedro just before the hour mark. Paul Pogba was then sent off for a second yellow card in the 78th minute.

"We are all very disappointed," Benzema told TF1. "If you look at the whole game, we did not deserve to lose. We made a mistake and we paid [for it]."

The 25-year-old also spoke about the French fans' adverse reaction to his performance.

"The whistles? That's not that bad. It happens. I was fine. I'll score again," he added. "The most important thing is the team. I'm confident.

France coach Didier Deschamps also gave his take on Les Bleus' result, arguing that his men were not far away from a success.

"There were situations that were unfavorable," said the 44-year-old, "but we had opportunities, even 10. We do not blush. It could have happened differently.

"We did see beautiful things. Spain is still Spain. We battled and they were not alone, even when we were [down to] 10."