Dirty TackleFrance uses second half surge to power by Nigeria 2-0
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Two second half goals pushed France over Nigeria 2-0 and into the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 2006.
The first 45 minutes of France and Nigeria’s Round of 16 match were something to forget. France’s one great chance came via a Paul Pogba volley just inside the box, which was denied by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
In the second half, however, France pushed forward and took control of the match. It started in the 70th minute, when Karim Benzema came oh so close to opening the scoring but his shot was cleared off the goal line by Victor Moses.
Seven minutes later, Yohan Cabaye fired a shot off the crossbar. Then, in the 79th minute, France would finally get their goal.
A France corner kick deflected off the fingers of Enyeama in the box and on to Pogba’s head, where it headed it home for a 1-0 lead. No Nigerian defenders were stationed on the goal line, giving Pogba an open goal.
It was a long time coming and from there, the French shut the game down.
In extra time, Cabaye received a corner kick and his cross into the box deflected off Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo and into the net to ensure France would be moving on.
France now waits for their quarterfinal opponent on Friday, which will either be Germany or Algeria.
