FIFA World Cup 2014 round of 16: France through to quarter-finals after defeating Nigeria in Brasilia

France qualify for quarter- finals after eliminating Nigeria from world cup round of 16. They scored two gaol in between 11 minutes. But that wasn’t an easy task for them. From the starting minutes for the game Nigerians harassed and attacked the French. Throughout the match both the keepers were busy. Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama made couple of exceptional saves, so does France’s Hugo Lloris.

But just after making a brilliant fingertip save to reject Karim Benzema shot going into the nets. But an error was made in the 79th minute – he comes out to collect Valbuena’s corner kick but gifted it to Paul Pogba, who headed it into the net. This goal gave French team some relief. But an own goal by Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo in the added minutes allowed French side to be in the comfort zone.

Nigerian side made it difficult for the France to make this comfort score line. Leaded by Emmanuel Emenike’s first half goal ruled out of offside.

France coach Deschamps said “A game lasts 90 minutes and we finished very well, We had a very strong last half an hour with more dynamism and speed. When you look at the recent past of the French national team, I am very proud to be in the last eight of this World Cup. We came very far. Whatever happens now it’s not failure. “

Now France will take Germany in quarter final at Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro. As Germany defeated Algeria by 2-01in Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

MATCH STATS:

France: Hugo Lloris, Mathieu Debuchy, Raphael Varane, Laurent Koscielny, Patrice Evra, Paul Pogba, Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi,, Mathieu Valbuena (sub: Moussa Sissoko), Olivier Giroud (sub: Antoine Griezmann), Karim Benzema

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama, Efe Ambrose, Joseph Yobo, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa,Peter Odemwingie, Ogenyi Onazi (sub: Reuben Gabriel), Victor Moses (sub: Uche Nwofor), John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike