France only more dangerous after seeing off their first stern test

Photo: Getty Images

France turned heads with their impressive showing in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup, scoring 8 goals in 3 games despite a 0-0 draw with Ecuador. However, they were drawn in a relatively comfortable group and none of the other three sides really put them to the sword.

Nigeria on the other hand asked plenty of questions of Didier Deschamps’ men in their round of 16 clash who, to their credit, responded with a deserved win. The victory reinforced France’s credentials as front runners in the tournament as their quality and ability to adapt came to the fore, writes Brendon Netto in goal.com.

For the first time in the competition, they were stretched to their limits. Nigeria’s organisation and athleticism clearly troubled the French defense. In attack, the likes of Ahmed Musa, Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Emenike threatened throughout with their speed and power.

France were well off the pace in the first half and were evidently out-run by their opponents. Les Bleus also struggled to find their rhythm. Up until his injury, Ogenyi Onazi was instrumental in shackling France’s illustrious midfield trio of Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi and Yohan Cabaye.

Meanwhile, things weren’t clicking for Deschamps upfront either. The ‘Super Eagles’ stood firm in defense for most of the game. Only a couple of marauding runs from Pogba and the lively Mathieu Valbuena seemed to concern them.

Photo: Getty Images

More prominent though was the unsuccessful ploy of playing both Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud in attack. The duo haven’t always featured well together but Deschamps' may have made his decision to allow Benzema more freedom going forward as Giroud played as the target man.

What transpired though was contrary to the French tactician’s likely intentions. Instead of allowing Benzema more freedom, Giroud’s presence seemed to sideline him more than anything else. He struggled to make an impact in the game while the Arsenal man endured a torrid time, exhibiting far too many clumsy touches.

Giroud was replaced by Antoine Griezmann just after the hour mark and it was just a matter of minutes before the Real Sociedad youngster played a part in his side’s best chance at that point. The substitution immediately saw Benzema get more involved as well as a neat one-two with Griezman put him in on goal.

The Madrid man’s effort was partially stopped by Vincent Enyeama but Victor Moses needed to intervene with a clearance off the line. France began to turn the screw at that point and Nigeria had no answer.

Cabaye’s fine effort then rattled the crossbar before Benzema’s header was tipped over by the Nigerian custodian. The resultant corner saw France finally make the breakthrough as Enyeama’s error allowed Pogba to head home. It was no less than the French deserved for their good spell.

An own goal from Joseph Yobo late on sealed the win for the Europeans and Griezmann’s presence was notable on that occasion as well. France had essentially taken charge of a difficult encounter and strolled home in the end.

Photo: Getty Images

They were put to the test by the Nigerians but found an extra gear to surge past them. Deschamps managed to find a winning formula when his initial blueprint didn’t work and that bodes well at this stage of the competition. Crucially, their defense, albeit shaky at times, were able to withstand a potent Nigerian strike-force.

France face Germany in the quarter-finals and will go into that fixture a little more prepared having undergone a strict examination. The Germans will be a vastly different challenge of course and a much trickier one at that but France will at least have the confidence and belief that they can adapt to find a route to victory.