France were out-possessed by the Nigerian attack for large sections of the match, but managed to produce significantly better chances. Their attack forced Vincent Enyeama and the Super Eagles' back line into some desperate defending toward the final twenty minutes.
Eventually, Paul Pogba found the breakthrough from a defensive error, and France were through. A good start from Nigeria, but France’s patience paid off.
The Goals
GOAL! Paul Pogba (NGA) 79th min. A sad moment for the stalwart Vincent Enyeama and an ecstatic breakthrough for Les Bleus as France’s little man Valbuena takes a routine corner to the left of goal. The ball drops a little past the outstretched keeper who palms it directly to the head of Pogba. He nods in for France’s goal with just over ten minutes left to play.
OWN GOAL! Joseph Yobo (FRA) 90+2 min. A short corner to Benzema sees Valbuena roll in a cross which bangs off the shin of the veteran Joseph Yobo, hanging in front of Antoine Griezmann, and past Enyeama into the net. The coup de grace, France are through to the quarterfinals.
The Man of the Match - Mathieu Valbuena
Though Pogba should get an honorable mention for some good chances in the first half, most of the movement and creative play came through Valbuena, who kept France steady and provided the two corners which led to France’s goals. His patience in possession and accurate distribution are at the centre of Didier Deschamps’ side.
The Controversy
In the 54th minute Blaise Matuidi stepped on Ogenyi Onazi’s ankle for which he received a yellow that should almost certainly have been a red card. Matuidi mashed his cleats on Onazi’s shin, forcing the key Nigerian midfielder off the pitch to be replaced by Reuben Gabriel. Had France gone to ten men, the result may have been very different.
Earlier in the first half, Nigeria had a strong penalty shot when Patrice Evra hauled down Peter Odemwingie, but the ref chose to warn Evra not to concede penalties instead.
What did France do to win?
Play their game. France allowed Nigeria a lot of possession, but were careful to mark dangerous players like Ahmed Musa on the wings, forcing Keshi’s side to cycle the ball in close quarters. Save for Emenike’s chalked off goal, sent in through the aforementioned Musa but offside, Nigeria couldn’t find a good final ball to truly challenge Lloris. France’s excellent marking out wide forced Nigeria into hopeful crosses which didn’t come to much of anything.
It was France however which forced Enyeama into making several key saves as the game progressed, and a Vincent Moses goalline clearance. Almost everyone performed their duties well, save for the completely superfluous Olivier Giroud, who will likely not start the next match.
The Takeaway
Nigeria’s exit means Algeria are the final CAF side left in the World Cup. France meanwhile have a likely date with Germany in what could be a very memorable World Cup quarterfinal. Griezmann will almost certainly be a starter now after some very weak showings from Giroud up front.
The 1,000 Words
Stray Thoughts
Musa impressed a lot in this tournament and as we saw against Argentina, he can wreak havoc if left alone on the wing. Deschamps prepared well though. Hopefully we’ll see more of Musa in future.
Hugo Lloris loves getting in the mix on set-pieces, almost to a fault. He’s at risk of dropping the ball at some point or picking up an injury.
The French back line looks more and more impressive as the tournament progresses. Varane and Koscielny worked well together and, save for his near penalty concession, Evra was very good as well.
It was lovely to see Enyeama’s Ligue 1 chums say hello at full-time.
