BRASILIA, Brazil – After being touted as one of the World Cup’s entertainers, it was a gritty performance which got France through to the quarterfinals in a 2-0 victory over Nigeria on Monday.
France’s forward line had made headlines with eight goals in its opening two group games, but there was little flair on display in a hard-fought contest against the African champions.
France needed a late header from midfielder Paul Pogba and an injury-time own goal from defender Joseph Yobo to overcome a robust Nigeria.
The reward is a quarterfinal against Germany on Friday at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium, following the Germans’ 2-1 victory over Algeria.
Pogba’s goal in the 79th minute followed Nigeria’s best spell of the match and came soon after France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had made a crucial save to deny Peter Odemwingie.