World Cup

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Attendance: 67,882

World Cup | Round of 16

Jun 30, 2014 at 5pm UK

France
2-0
Nigeria

Pogba (79'), Yobo (90+2' og.)

FT(HT: 0-0)

Half-Time Report: End-to-end but still goalless in Brasilia between France, Nigeria

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 30 June 2014

Neither France nor Nigeria are able to break the deadlock in the opening half of this afternoon's World Cup last-16 tie in Brasilia.

There was little to choose between France and Nigeria in the opening half of this afternoon's World Cup last-16 tie and it remains goalless in Brasilia.

France winger Mathieu Valbuena runs with the ball during the World Cup last-16 tie against Nigeria in Brasilia on June 30, 2014 © Getty Images

There were few clear-cut chances in the opening 15 minutes and Nigeria surprisingly controlled possession, with France at their most dangerous on the counter-attack.

The African side thought that they had taken the lead in the 19th minute when Ahmed Musa's low cross was prodded home at the near post by Emmanuel Emenike, but the flag rightly went up for offside.

Minutes later France had their clearest opening of the early stages through Paul Pogba, who charged upfield, fed Mathieu Valbuena on the wing and then pinged a volley goalwards that was beaten out by Vincent Enyeama.

France midfielder Yohan Cabaye makes a tackle during the World Cup last-16 tie against Nigeria in Brasilia on June 30, 2014 © Getty Images

France started to have more of the ball as the half came to a close, almost breaking the deadlock five minutes before the interval when Mathieu Debuchy blazed wide from just inside the box.

Just before the break, Emenike stung the palms of Hugo Lloris with a fierce strike from a tight angle.

Find out how the second half unfolds with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates here.