Rio De Janeiro: After flashes of magnificent football in the group phase, France will look to confirm their World Cup credentials in Monday’s last-16 tie against Nigeria.
In previous World Cups, France have always reached at least the semifinals after qualifying from the group phase, but circumspection has become the order of the day in the French camp this week.
While Didier Deschamps’s side garnered plaudits by sweeping past Honduras 3-0 and crushing Switzerland 5-2, a much-changed team could only draw 0-0 in their final Group E fixture against Ecuador on Wednesday.
Laurent Koscielny has introduced a note of caution as Les Bleus prepare for Monday’s game in Brasilia. The Arsenal defender says that it would be unwise to look too far ahead.
Koscielny could line up in central defence alongside Raphael Varane at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium as Mamadou Sakho is doubtful due to a thigh injury.
Nigeria’s preparations for the game were disrupted by a dispute over bonuses but the matter was resolved following the reported intervention of Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan.
After a laborious 0-0 draw with Iran in their opening game, Stephen Keshi’s side booked their place in the last 16 by edging Bosnia 1-0 and then impressed in a 3-2 loss to Argentina.
Ahmed Musa twice produced immediate replies to goals from Lionel Messi, only for Argentina to net a 50th-minute winner.
“In the second round, it’s winner takes all. I know with hard work and God’s support we shall make history,” Musa told BBC Sport.
Chelsea forward Victor Moses missed the Argentina game due to a muscular complaint, but he trained with the squad on Saturday.
Winger Michael Babatunde is out after his wrist was fractured by a shot from team mate Ogenyi Onazi against Argentina, but Keshi has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.
France will hope to get the better of a familiar foe in the shape of Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who went 1,062 minutes without conceding a goal for Lille in Ligue 1 last season.
It will be Nigeria’s first World Cup knockout match since the 1998 tournament in France and victory would see the West Africans reach the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. (AFP)
