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)

France down Nigeria to reach World Cup quarter-finals

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor

Published: June 30 2014 | 18:52

Last updated: July 1 2014 | 08:54

France advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and knock out Nigeria thanks to second-half goals from Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann.

France have advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and knocked out Nigeria thanks to two goals in the final 11 minutes in Brasilia.

Paul Pogba of France scores his team's first goal on a header during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between France and Nigeria at Estadio Nacional on June 30, 2014 © Getty Images

In the early stages 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.

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

Minutes later France had their clearest opening of the first half 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.

After a stop-start opening to the second half, Peter Odemwingie threatened to put Nigeria in front with a stinging low drive from outside the area that Hugo Lloris got down to keep out.

France then had a dominant 10-minute spell that finally resulted in the winning goal.

France's forward Karim Benzema makes a failed attempt at goal next to Nigeria's goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama during a Round of 16 football match between France and Nigeria at Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June © Getty Images

First, Karim Benzema exchanged passes with Antoine Griezmann before his strike at goal was cleared off the line by Victor Moses.

Yohan Cabaye went even closer moments later when he rifled an effort against the underside of the bar from the right of the penalty box.

Les Bleus' pressure would pay off soon though when Pogba headed into an unguarded net after Enyeama had parried a corner his way.

France's midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates after scoring the first goal during a Round of 16 football match between France and Nigeria at Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 30, 2014 © Getty Images

Griezmann then forced Enyeama into an acrobatic save before playing a part in the goal that sealed victory in injury time.

He appeared to poke home a Valbuena cross, but it was in fact Joseph Yobo who got the final touch for an own goal.

Mathieu Valbuena of France celebrates his team's secong goal on an own goal by Joseph Yobo of Nigeria during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between France and Nigeria at Estadio Nacional on June 30, 2014 © Getty Images