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Attendance: 67,882
France national football team
World Cup | Round of 16
Jun 30, 2014 at 5pm UK
 
Nigeria national football team

2-0

Pogba (79'), Yobo (90+2' og.)
FT(HT: 0-0)

Player Ratings: France 2-0 Nigeria

Sports Mole's player ratings from France's 2-0 win over Nigeria.

France have reached the World Cup quarter-finals after claiming a 2-0 victory against Nigeria.

Paul Pogba scored their first goal with a header from Mathieu Valbuena's corner, before Joseph Yobo's own goal in stoppage time sealed the win.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during the 90 minutes of action.


French players pose for a group picture before the round of 16 football match between France and Nigeria at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 30, 2014© Getty Images

FRANCE

Goal

Hugo Lloris: Not the busiest of matches for the keeper who only had to make two saves all afternoon. He was reliable as ever though and dominated his area until the final minute. (7/10)

Defence

Mathieu Debuchy: Another impressive showing from the full-back. He was a constant menace down the right and was part of France's best attacking moves in the first half. (7/10)

Raphael Varane: Solid performance from the Real Madrid defender. Showed experience beyond his years and never looked like getting beaten in the air. (8/10)

Laurent Koscielny: Along with his centre-back partner Varane, the Arsenal man produced a reliable and battling display. Kept things simple and never allowed the Nigerian attack in behind him. (8/10)

Patrice Evra: Reliable showing from the veteran defender. Was solid at the back alongside his teammates and dealt with the pace of Emenike and Musa well. (7/10)

Midfield

Paul Pogba: Made the breakthrough for France by heading in from a corner. He was busy as ever in the midfield and looked to run the game. At the age of just 21, the Juventus player can dominate world football for years to come. (8/10)

Blaise Matuidi: Another notable display from the midfielder. He was tough in the tackle and looked strong going forward in attack and helping the defence. Booked for a challenge on Onazi in the second half. (7/10)

Yohan Cabaye: Almost scored one of the goals of the tournament with a strike from range that cannoned off the bar. Showed some great touches and played a key role as his side took control of the midfield in the second half. (7/10)

Attack

Mathieu Valbuena: Outstanding performance from the Marseille midfielder. He set up both of his country's goals and was at the heart of everything good all afternoon. (8/10)

Karim Benzema: Solid if unspectacular from the striker. Struggled to get into the match in the first half, but came close with a shot that was cleared off the line, before seeing a header saved. (7/10)

Olivier Giroud: Quiet game for the Arsenal striker. He did not see much of the ball in the first half and failed to make any of his limited chances count. Was replaced by Griezmann just past the hour mark. (6/10)

Substitutes

Antoine Griezmann: Came on in the second half and made a huge impact on the match. He linked up well with the French attack and almost set up Benzema for a goal. His performance galvanised his teammates and saw them take control from the moment he arrvied. (8/10)

Moussa Sissoko: Was only on the pitch for less than a minute after replacing Valbuena. (5/10)



Nigeria pose for a team photo prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between France and Nigeria at Estadio Nacional on June 30, 2014© Getty Images

NIGERIA

Goal

Vincent Enyeama: Despite making some impressive saves, his mistake cost his team a place in the quarter-finals. However, he has been one of Nigeria's best players throughout the tournament and will continue to be an important player for his country. (6/10)

Defence

Efe Ambrose: Decent performance from the Celtic player. Tried to get forward and made it hard for France to get in behind him on his flank. (6/10)

Joseph Yobo: After a solid display, it was unfortunate that his own goal confirmed Nigeria's exit from the World Cup. He made two brilliant saving challenges in the opening stages and can be proud of his all-round contribution in Brazil. (6/10)

Kenneth Omeruo: Was solid in the first half, but tired as the game wore on. Along with Yobo, he has had a good tournament and will be at the heart of the Nigeria defence for years to come. (6/10)

Juwon Oshaniwa: Allowed Debuchy to get in behind him far too much in the first half. He tightened up after the break, but failed to offer any attacking threat of his own. (6/10)

Midfield

John Obi Mikel: Dominated the midfield in the first half, but struggled along with his teammates to keep hold of the ball after the break. He was dependable as ever for his team and was tough in the tackle. (6/10)

Ogenyi Onazi: In the first half, the Lazio midfielder was one of the best players on the pitch and looked to break quickly through the midfield. He went off injured following a challenge by Matuidi on the hour mark and his team missed his presence as France took control of the match. (7/10)

Victor Moses: Made an impressive goal line clearance to deny Benzema. He struggled to make an impact further up the pitch and was replaced in the final minute by Nwofor. (6/10)

Attack

Ahmed Musa: Failed to have the same impact as he made against Argentina last time out. He was always a threat for the French defence, but faded in the second half along with many of his teammates. (6/10)

Emmanuel Emenike: Had Nigeria's only shot on target in the first half with a powerful effort that was beaten away by Lloris. His pace and strength were a problem for France, but Evra managed to deal with his threat. (6/10)

Peter Odemwingie: Worked hard for his team all match, but struggled against France's impressive defence. He saw a shot saved by Lloris in the second half and gave his all until the final whistle. (6/10)

Substitutes

Reuben Gabriel: Came on for the injured Onazi, but struggled to get into the match. (6/10)

Uche Nwofor: Had no time to make an impact after arriving with a minute left to play. (5/10)


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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
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