catalyst2 | Game # 53 - France vs Nigeria

For a good proportion of the first half, Nigeria were the dominant team by a long shot but often lacked punch in the last third. It was also a very congested game because of the French high pressing strategy that often meant all 20 infielders were compressed into the central third of the pitch. The result was that even though Nigeria may have often started moves, they gave possession away time and again. The French attack was sadly lacking so that, even though they often got possession back from Nigeria quite quickly, they were also unable to penetrate the Nigerian defence often. When they did, the Nigerian goalkeeper Enyeama was in great form. Consequently, the first half finished 0-0 (though Nigeria did have a goal ruled out for a very close offside).

The second half saw a change as France slowly asserted itself, particularly after Griezmann came on in the 62nd minute. Despite two world-class saves from Enyeama, France eventually broke though, sadly as a consequence of a rare Enyeama error as Pogba headed home a feebly cleared cross. Nigeria really had no effective response and the own goal from Yobo merely sealed Nigeria's own fate. Result was a 2-0 victory to France.

Sad to see Nigeria go because they can be a very exciting team at times but they were second best in front of goal today