The pace and physicality of Nigeria’s attack will give the French defense their sternest test yet as the two nations do battle in the 5th match of the Round of 16 of the 2014World Cup. France won Group E while their African opponents finished runner-ups to Argentina in Group F.
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The French have managed to banish the ghosts of their dismal performance in South Africa four years ago after winning two and drawing one match in their group. They opened their campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Honduras before a dominant performance against Switzerland; their closest challengers gave them a 5-2 victory and assured advancement from the group. The French were actually 5-0 up against Switzerland at one point before they took their foot off the gas and conceded two. In the final group match against Ecuador, France coach Didier Deschamps decided to rest some of his key players including Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena and Manchester United veteran Patrice Evra but the team still managed a draw against the South Americans, ensuring top spot in the group. There is hardly a French player that is not playing well right now and Deschamps will hope they can keep up the good form against Nigeria on Monday.
Nigeria qualified for the Round of 16 despite losing 3-2 to Argentina in their final group game. The Super Eagles had defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 to secure a vital three points after managing only a draw in their curtain-raiser against Iran. The match against Argentina was the best performance by the African Champions in this tournament so far as Ahmed Musa cancelled out Lionel Messi’s goals twice before sloppy defending allowed Marcos Rojo to score the winning goal off his knee. The strength of the Nigerians is their ability to counterattack at full speed with CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa and Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie particularly dangerous on the break.
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TEAM NEWS
With no injury or suspension worries, Didier Deschamps is expected to return his starting XI to full strength for this match. Patrice Evra and Mathieu Debuchy are expected to start at fullback, either side of Mamadou Sakho and Raphael Varane. Yohan Cabaye should return to the side after serving out a yellow card suspension and will be part of a midfield trio also including PSG’s Blaise Matuidi and Juventus youngster Paul Pogba.
For Nigeria, midfielder Michael Babatunde may miss out after he was substituted against Argentina when a fast moving ball hit his arm and could be replaced by Almeria midfielder Ramon Azeez.
Probable Lineups
France (4-3-3): Lloris; Evra, Sakho, Varane, Debuchy; Pogba, Cabaye, Matuidi; Griezmann, Benzema, Valbuena
Nigeria (4-3-3): Enyeama; Oshaniwa, Yobo, Omeruo, Ambrose; Azeez, Mikel, Onazi; Musa, Emenike, Odemwingie
PREDICTION
After seeing the African Champions give Argentina a run for their money last time out, France will do well not to underestimate Nigeria. The French have a great attack and will look to be in the front foot but the Super Eagles are adept at counterattack and could punish Les Blues on the break.
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