Good afternoon everyone! We have reached the fifth game of the knockout stages, where France and Nigeria will go head-to-head for a place in the quarter-finals. France have been in great form and cruised through their group, while Nigeria showed their battling qualities to set up this last 16 tie.

Prior to the start of the World Cup, not many were tipping France for success, but Didier Deschamps's team have played some of the best football of the tournament. Even without the injured Frank Ribery, they have shone in attack and bagged eight goals on the way to topping Group E.

Meanwhile, Nigeria started the tournament with a frustrating goalless draw against Iran, before edging out a crucial 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. They suffered a 3-2 defeat against Argentina in their final group match, but that result did not hinder their progress to the knockout rounds.

The managers have revealed their teams for this afternoon's clash, so let's take a look who will be walking out onto the pitch at the Estadio Nacional in less than an hour.

Inside the cavernous Estádio Nacional. Nice and mild in the shade, less so in the sunshine. pic.twitter.com/yTGhPKGszl — Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) June 30, 2014

FRANCE STARTING XI: Lloris, Debuchy, Koscielny, Varane, Evra, Cabaye, Matuidi, Pogba, Valbuena, Giroud, Benzema

NIGERIA STARTING XI: Enyeama, Ambrose, Omeruo, Yobo, Oshaniwa, Mikel, Moses, Onazi, Musa, Odemwingie, Emenike

As expected, France have made a number of changes to their starting lineup following their final group match against Ecuador. Mamadou Sakho is ruled out through injury, so Laurent Koscielny keeps his place and will partner Raphael Varane in defence. There are also returns for Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Valbuena, Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra and Yohan Cabaye.

Nigeria have made just one change from the side that were beaten by Argentina last time out. Victor Moses comes into the team in the place of Michel Babatunde, who broke his arm after being hit by a shot from teammate Ogenyi Onazi.

As we have mentioned, France have looked one of the best attacking forces in the tournament and their lineup today boasts the talented forward trio of Valbuena, Giroud and Benzema. Had it not been for a missed penalty and some unlucky referring decisions, then Real Madrid striker Benzema could be leading the scoring charts at the World Cup. He has looked in good form and his country will want to see another high quality display from him today.

11 - Karim Benzema has fired 11 shots on target so far at the #WorldCup2014 - more than any other player. Bombardier. — OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) June 30, 2014

While we have mentioned France's threat in the final third, their defence has been one of the most reliable of the tournament. They conceded two goals in the group stages, and those were both in a 5-2 win over Switzerland when they were five goals up and 10 minutes away from securing all three points.

There has been a slight reshuffle at the back with Sakho unavailable, but Koscielny and Varane are two of the most highly rated central defenders in world football at the moment. Evra and Debuchy complete the back four, while the captain and highly experienced Lloris has been reliable in between the sticks.

One of the players that pundits felt could dominate this tournament is midfielder Paul Pogba. The 21-year-old has been a key player for Juventus in their title winning campaign and has become a crucial part of his country's team. At such a young age he has all the qualities to make it to the very top and he will be hoping to dominate the midfield today.

Let's take a look at Nigeria now and just like France they conceded three goals in the group stages. They were undone by Messi's class against Argentina, but the defensive duo of Kenneth Omeruo and Joseph Yobo have looked solid at the heart of the back four.

An area that I feel Nigeria must win today is the centre of the midfield. John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi will have a job on their hands to stop the likes of Pogba and Blaise Matuidi from linking up with their team's attack, and they must offer plenty of protection for their back four.

Goals have not been a strong point in this Nigeria side, but a double against Argentina will have been a major confidence boost ahead of today's clash. Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike have produced fantastic displays in the last two games and their pace and power will certainly give France a few problems at the back.

One of the big changes to the Nigeria side today is the introduction of Victor Moses. The Chelsea striker suffered a frustrating season on loan at Liverpool last season and only scored two goals for the Reds. He didn't enjoy his best game against Iran in their opening match of the tournament, but with his future looking uncertain, he will be looking to show just why the Blues paid big money for him just two years ago.

This is the 14th time that France have played in the World Cup finals and they will be bidding to add a second title to their 1998 victory. As for Nigeria, they are making their fifth appearance at the tournament and will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. They made it to the last 16 in 1994 and 1998, but were beaten in the last 16 on both occasions.

These teams have played each other once before and it was Nigeria who came out on top on that occasion. A goal from Joseph Akpala was enough to give his country the win during a friendly in Saint-Etienne. The Super Eagles will also be encouraged that France have lost two of their last three matches against African opposition. In 2010 they lost in the group stages to South Africa, while in 2002 they were stunned by Senegal in the opening match of the tournament.

The dressing room awaits Les Bleus for their Round of 16 showdown with Nigeria. #EDF (@equipedefrance) pic.twitter.com/5cQJQVoJ9u

— Get French Football (@GFN_France) June 30, 2014

PREDICTION: With just 10 minutes to go until kick off, I'll try and make a prediction on how I think the match will end, although in this World Cup you just can't be sure. On form, I can only see France progressing to the quarter-finals, but their defence will certainly be tested by Nigeria's pace in attack. I am going to tip France to win this match 2-1, with Benzema getting his name on the scoresheet.

The players are starting to make their way onto the pitch, and just a reminder that the winners of today's match will play the victors of Germany and Algeria's last-16 tie later today.

3 - Only three African teams have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup (Cameroon 1990, Senegal 2002, Ghana 2010). Challenge. #NGA

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 30, 2014

We have heard the anthems from each nation and now we are just minutes away from the start of this crucial knockout clash.

KICKOFF! We are underway at the Estadio Nacional!

France have seen plenty of possession in the opening stages and after a flowing move they are nearly in when Debuchy pulls the ball back across the box to Benzema on the edge of the area. However, just as he is about to strike it, Yobo gets a crucial touch on the ball to divert it away from the forward.

It has been fast paced start to this match and France break quickly with Pogba setting Matuidi free down the left. He gets to the byline and tries to find Giroud in the middle, but Yobo is there again to put the ball behind. From the resulting set piece France send their big men forward, but Nigeria manage to clear the danger.

The pace of this match has not relented and Nigeria almost fashion a chance when following some good play in the middle from Onazi, the ball is fed wide to Ambrose. He manages to whip the ball into the middle for Odemwingie, but the striker's first touch gets away from him and allows the defence to clear.

Nigeria have certainly come into this game more and Onazi is unlucky to pick out Ambrose, when his ball over the top is just too long. Moments later they break quickly and the ball is played into Emenike on the edge of the box. He then works some space for the shot, but Varane is there to block his attempt.

There is acres of space in the centre of the midfield for both teams to exploit, with Nigeria enjoying a decent spell in possession. Onazi and Mikel are certainly holding their own, but Pogba has shown on a couple of occasions that when he picks up the ball, he will break quickly lead his team's forward charge.

Some worrying signs here for Nigeria, as Onazi is down injured and receiving treatment. He went over awkwardly on his knee following an innocuous coming together with Pogba. It certainly doesn't look good for him and he may have to come off.

While Onzai receives treatment, Nigeria win a free kick on the left towards the byline which Odemwingie takes. He curls the ball towards the back post looking for Yobo, but the defender can only head the ball upwards, with Lloris making the save. France then break down the other end, with Giroud being played the ball on the edge of the box, but his strike is fired well over the bar.

Nigeria have another good opportunity from a set piece situation, as they win a free kick just outside the box. However, they fail to make it count as Emenike smashes a poor effort over the bar. I can also tell you that the Super Eagles are back to 11 men, with Onzai back on the pitch.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Nigeria think that they have taken the lead, but the flag is up on the far side. Debuchy could only head the ball out to Musa, who then whips a low ball into the box that is touched in at the front post by Emenike. However, he was deemed to be offside and the replays have shown that the official got that decision correct.

CHANCE! Almost brilliant from Pogba! The midfielder charges through the midfield, before finding Valbuena out wide. He then plays the ball back to Pogba, who continued his run into the box, and he meets it with a powerful volley that Enyeama does fantastically well to turn past the post.

Although we haven't had any goals yet, it has been a very watchable opening to the match. Both teams are looking confident in attack and there is still plenty of space in the midfield and down the flanks to exploit.

France are in again down the right, with Debuchy getting forward at will. He looks up and spots Benzema in the middle, but his cross is just too high for the striker who sees the ball drift inches over his head and out of play.

A look at the possession shows how even this match has been, with Nigeria slightly ahead on 53%. They have also won a number of set pieces, but their latest corner is poor as Lloris easily collects the ball at the front post.

Benzema and Giroud have not seen too much of the ball, with Nigeria's defence handling them well so far. In the past few minutes though, Pogba has been far more influential in his country's play and looks the player most likely to make the difference.

Despite Nigeria's positive start to this game, they haven't caused too many problems to the French defence, and they are yet to find the target. Pogba's effort was France's only effort to trouble the keeper, but they are starting to take control of this match.

CHANCE! Debuchy has certainly got forward a lot for France in this half, and he comes close to finding the net when he latches onto Valbuena's flick, before drilling an effort from the edge of the box just wide of the post.

It's not looking like we are going to see a goal before half time, but France are continuing to press their opponents back deep inside their own half. There are gaps opening up in the Nigeria backline that their manager will want to sort out during the interval.

CHANCE! With a minute of the half left to play Nigeria get their first effort on target. Emenike picks the ball up in space around 25 yards out from goal and fires in a powerful effort that Lloris has to beat away.

We are going to have two minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.

The first 45 minutes have come to an end, and it is goalless in Brasilia. Paul Pogba saw a fine volley saved by the keeper, while Nigeria had a goal disallowed. We are all set up for what should be a fascinating second half.

© Getty Images

A quick look at the stats shows that France have had more of the ball, with 51% of the possession. However, it has been a half to forget for the strikers, with each team having six shots on goal and finding the target just once.

12 - #FRA have not conceded a goal in the first half in their last 12 games. Defence. — OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 30, 2014

The two managers may now be thinking about making some changes, with Antoine Griezmann and Loic Remy the standout choices for the French. As for Nigeria, an option for them in attack could be Shola Ameobi, who is now a free agent after leaving Newcastle United.

Before the next 45 minutes gets underway, make sure that you read our half-time report of all the action so far at the Estadio Nacional.

The players are back out on the pitch and the second half should be getting started in just a few moments.

France take the kick off and get the second half underway.

Nigeria break quickly down the right with Moses slipped in behind Evra. He looks up and tries to find his teammates in the middle, but the ball is well cut out at the front post and put behind for a corner. However, they again fail to make the set piece count, as the delivery fails to beat the first man.

Play is stopped for a shot period after Oshaniwa revives some treatment following a late challenge by Debuchy. He is walking gingerly, but is able to come back onto the pitch and rejoin his teammates.

Nigeria haven't seen too much of the ball in the past few minutes, but they almost create a good opening when Moses whips a teasing ball into the box, that Varane brilliantly gets in front of Emenike to head behind. Emenike has been flagged offside though, but Varane received a blow to the head after making the challenge.

YELLOW CARD Matuidi picks up the first booking of the match for a poor challenge on Onazi. It has left the Nigerian midfielder in a heap on the halfway line and the stretcher has been called onto the pitch.

Onazi has been stretchered off the pitch and he will not be able to continue. He looks in some distress, with Nigeria now planning to make a chance.

SUBSTITUTION: Nigeria are finally able to make the change and it's Gabriel who comes on to replace Onazi.

Emenike has looked one of Nigeria's better players throughout the match, and he tries his luck from range after cutting inside from the left, but his shot fails to trouble Lloris and heads well over the bar.

SUBSTITUTION: France make their first change of the match, with Griezmann coming on for Giroud.

CHANCE! We haven't seen too much in the way of goalmouth action in the second half, but Odemwingie tries to find the net when he works his way to the edge of the box, before drilling in a shot that Lloris has to watch all the way and gets his body fully behind to save.

After an entertaining first half with some positive attacking football, it has been rather scrappy since the break. Both teams have been guilty of giving the ball away in promising situations, while we have also seen a number of poor late challenges.

OFF THE LINE! France are inches away from taking the lead! Benzema exchanges passes with Griezmann on the edge of the box, before he is slipped through on goal. He then lifts the ball past Enyeama, but as his effort looks like it's heading into the net, Moses is back to clear off the line.

That chance has certainly helped the atmosphere around the stadium and Benzema looks to get a shot in on goal when he cuts inside from the left. He manages to work some space outside the box, but he can only drag his effort wide of the post.

Griezmann has looked lively since coming on and from a promising France attack, he is played in down the left, before firing a ball across the box that is punched clear by Enyeama and put behind for a corner.

OFF THE BAR! Again France are so close to taking the lead. They send a corner to the back post, where Benzema sees an effort cleared away by Moses. The ball then comes out to Cabaye, who fires in a brilliant volley from long range that crashes against the bar and bounces away from danger.

You sensed that a goal was coming for France and they have finally made the breakthrough. They win a corner after Benzema sees a header tipped over by Enyeama and from the resulting set piece Pogba heads in at the back post.

CHANCE! It's almost two for France as Griezmann latches onto Matuidi's long ball over the top, before seeing his powerful effort tipped over the bar by the keeper. Nigeria's defence have tired and their opponents will want to make them pay as they look to seal the win.

Nigeria have just a few minutes left to save their World Cup, but a goal does not look like coming. France are holding firm in defence, but with the amount of late strikes we have seen in this tournament there is still every chance.

SUBSTITUTION: Nigeria have made a change, with Nwofor coming on for Moses.

We are going to have five minutes of stoppage time. That has certainly provided a boost for the Nigerian fans.

There is no way back now for Nigeria, as France get their second of the match. It comes from another corner, which is played quickly to Valbuena. The midfielder then whips in a low ball to the front past that misses Griezmann, but hits Yobo and rolls into the far corner of the net.

SUBSTITUTION: Having set up the second goal, Valbuena comes off to be replaced by Sissoko.

The referee brings the game to an end and France have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They left it late, but they will now face the winners of Germany and Algeria's clash in the next round.

© Getty Images

Well, that's all we've got time for here. Don't forget that we will be bringing you live commentary of that last 16 clash between Germany and Algeria which kicks off at 9pm. Thank you for joining me, until next time, goodbye!