Deschamps expects serious test in France vs. Brazil friendly

France coach Didier Deschamps warned his players on Wednesday that Brazil have recovered from their World Cup disappointment and could be dangerous rivals.

The French side is taking the Selecao at Stade de France on Thursday in their first friendly test of 2015.

"They are reeling from a World Cup that was not unsuccessful despite the trauma they went through - they were still in the semifinals," Deschamps told a press conference on Wednesday.

"I have seen what they have been doing since then and I saw many, many very good things," he said.

"Brazil is the land of football. They have a lot of passion," added the boss of Les Bleus. "Their players have made their mark the history of the game and then they are five-time world champions. Brazil remain a reference to the sport."

The 46-year-old lined up against Brazilian coach Dunga as captains of their respective national teams in the 1998 World Cup when Brazil were beaten 3-0 by France in the final at Stade de France.

"He (Dunga) was a great player for Brazil," Deschamps said. "He was a very influential player. We played in the same position. I have great respect for what he did as a player."

Dunga has led Brazil to six consecutive victories since replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari following the World Cup, scoring 14 goals and conceding just once.

Deschamps, however, has confidence that Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema can make the difference for his side against the Brazilians.

"Karim is so competitive, he always seeks to get better, and he's been highly effective for a while now with Real and also with France," he said. Endi