France dispatched African champions Nigeria 2-0 in stifling heat in the world cup second round game at the Estadio Nacionale in Brasilia.
The first of two Europe vs. Africa challenges was pretty evenly matched for much of the first half, before Nigeria dominated the early part of the second but failure to convert their chances led to their eventual defeat.
Midfielder Paul Pogba’s header in the 79th minute gave France the lead, before a Joseph Yobo own goal sealed Nigeria’s fate just on the 90th minute mark.
The first half was a closely matched affair, with both keepers forced into terrific saves to keep their side in the game.
Nigeria’s Emmanuel Emenike had a goal disallowed for offside in the 18th minute, tapping in after a great cross from Ahmed Musa. Replays showed he was fractionally offside.
The game started at a dull pace, both sides uninterested in expending too much energy under the midday Brazilian sun. With both sides fielding dangerous wingers, the game was mostly played out wide.
Patrice Evra got away cleanly down the left flank in the 4th minute, but his low cross could not reach Giroud in the middle as Joseph Yobo cut it out for a corner.