France continued its 2014 World Cup march as it battled to a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in its second round match putting the Les Blues in the quarter finals. Now the French can set their sights on the winner of Germany versus Algeria in a game later today.
The two sides played an even match more or less in the first half with both sides having their fair set of chances. Nigeria appeared to have the first goal of the match in the 19th minutes but offside was called thus calling the play back. Frances Paul Pogba came close to putting France on the board but Nigeria Goal Keeper Vincent Enyeama showed why he is one of the best goal keepers around with a great save to keep the game scoreless.
Late in the second half, is where the game changed, as France took control with its first goal in the 79’ minute to put Nigeria’s back against the wall. The goal, scored by Frances Paul Pogba, came off a corner kick in what should have been a better clearance punch from Nigeria keeper Enyeama who otherwise had a spectacular match.
France finished off the game in the 90’ minute with continued pressure that ultimately translated into a own goal by Nigeria’s Joseph Yobo off a cross into the box from the right side.
Overall, France had the edge in shots with a total of thirteen shots on goal versus the Super Eagles nine shots and possession was more or less even with France holding the ball a bit more than the Nigerian’s. Nigeria played a good game but was clearly outplayed in the second half, especially in the last 20 minutes similar to what happened to Mexico in yesterday’s knockout match where Holland took over in the last twenty minutes.
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