France vs Nigeria: What can we expect – Preview and Prediction
France will take on Nigeria tonight in the round of 16 clash. Les Bleus are clear favourites to win the tie and progress to the quarter-final stage. Nigeria, on the other hand, are high on confidence after their spirited performance against Argentina in the final group stage fixture.
Venue
Estadio Nacional de Brasilia located in Brasilia, the national capital boasts a seating capacity of 69,349. Founded on carbon neutrality, recycling and complete access via public transport, this environmentally friendly construction project consolidates Brasilia’s status as a world leader in sustainable urban planning, creating a valuable legacy for other sectors of the local economy.
Kickoff
June 30 – 9.30 pm – Indian Standard Time (IST)
June 30 – 13.00 pm - Local Time
Possible Starting Line ups
Didier Deschamps will field his best possible XI in this crucial round of 16 tie against Nigeria. Mathieu Valbuena will join the starting XI. Olivier Giroud is likely to start upfront with Benzema and Valbuena coming in from the flanks. Yohan Cabaye will rejoin the team after coming back from a suspension. Mamadou Sakho suffered an injury in the last game so he is doubtful to start.
France (4-3-2-1): Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi; Valbuena, Benzema, Giroud.
Victor Moses is still suffering from an injury so Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi will field the same team which showed a spirited performance against Argentina. Ahmed Musa, who scored a brace in the last match will be there key man upfront along with their captain John Obi Mikel.
Nigeria (4-4-2): Enyeama; Ambrose, Yobo, Omeruo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Musa, Babatunde; Odemwingie, Emenike.
Key Facts
- Nigeria won the only previous meeting 1-0 in St Etienne in 2009.
- France have lost two of their last three World Cup matches against African nations: 2002 v Senegal and 2010 v South Africa. They beat Togo between these two defeats in 2006.
- France have won their previous three second-round matches at the World Cup: 2-0 v Italy in 1986, 1-0 v Paraguay in 1998 and 3-1 v Spain in 2006.
- They had 62 attempts at goal in the group stage, more than any other side.
- On the last five occasions that France have progressed past the first round at the World Cup, they have reached at least the semi-finals (1958, 1982, 1986, 1998 and 2006).
- All of France's goals during the 2014 World Cup have come from inside the penalty area.
- Victory in this match would see Nigeria reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The Super Eagles are aiming to become just the fourth African side to make the quarter-finals after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.
- Vincent Enyeama recorded the most saves of any goalkeeper in the group phase (18).
Key Battles
John Obi Mikel vs Mathieu Valbuena
John Obi Mikel, captain of the Nigerian team, will be in charge of stopping the most crucial player of France – Mathieu Valbuena. Valbuena’s dangerous runs down the wing and middle must be stopped or else France would threaten to score.
Karim Benzema vs Vincent Enyeama
With 3 goals in 3 matches, Karim Benzema is one the most feared strikers in this year’s World Cup. He has performed brilliantly so far. He is on a goal scoring spree and has the ability to score from almost any situation. Nigerian goal keeper, Vincent Enyeama has to be very cautious against the Frenchman.
Prediction
Les Bleus are favourites to win this tie. Even though the Super Eagles are a formidable side, France are expected to ease past their opponents. It will be an interesting match as both sides have a very strong attack force.
Predicted Score-line: France 2-1 Nigeria
Match Officials
Referee: Mark W Geiger (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Mark Sean Hurd (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Joe Fletcher (CAN)
Fourth Official: Alireza Faghani (IRN)