Brasilia: France struck twice in the second half to beat Nigeria 2-0 and enter the quarterfinals of the World Cup at the Estadio Nacional here on Monday.
France broke the deadlock in the 79th minute through Paul Pogba before doubling their lead in stoppage time through an own goal by Joseph Yobo.
Nigeria started on bright note and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession at least in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
Nigeria’s persistent efforts resulted in a free kick just outside the French circle in the 17th minute when Peter Odemwingie was brought down by Blaise Matuidi but the Super Eagles failed to cash in.
Two minutes later Emmanuel Emenike found the back of the France net with a deft touch only to be ruled marginally off side.
Nigeria were certainly on top as France played the second fiddle.
But France got their act together and had a great chance in the 22nd minute only to be denied by a brilliant Vincent Enyeama save in front of goal.
Enyeama showed terrific reflexes to keep out Paul Pogba’s powerful shot after a one-two with Mathieu Valbuena.
France enjoyed a rare spell of possession in the last 12 minutes of the opening half but to no avail as their forward line lacked creativity.
French strikers Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema were almost anonymous in the opening half as Nigeria came out with stout defending.
Just like the opening half, Nigeria started the livelier of the two teams after the change of ends.
Odemwingie came close to breaking the deadlock for the West Africans but his fierce strike was well saved by skipper Hugo Lloris in front of French goal.
Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps’ decision to bring in Antoine Griezmann in place Giroud was bang on target as it imbibed fresh life into their forward line.
Benzema then looked threatening for the first time in the match in the 70th minute but his effort was cleared off the line by Victor Moses.
Seven minutes later, France came tantalisingly close to breaking the stalemate when Yohan Cabaye’s effort rattled the woodwork.
But France’s consistent pressure finally bore fruit when Pogba headed in from their eighth corner after Enyeama flapped at a cross which found the Frenchman in a clear position.
If not for that one mistake, Enyeama stood like a rock in front of the Nigeria goal as six minutes from whistle he sticked out a huge hand to deny Griezmann.
It was all over Nigeria as France doubled their lead in the extra-time when Yobo scored an own goal while trying to clear Valbuena’s low ball towards Griezmann.
France will meet the winners of the match between Germany and Algeria in the quarterfinals. (PTI)
