2014 FIFA World Cup PREVIEW: France vs Nigeria

France is a footballing juggernaut. After a much-publicized internal dispute led to an embarrassing exit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, France was determined to erase doubts about their teamwork and show the world that they can move forward. They’ve already exorcised their demons by making it to the round of 16 in dominant fashion, crushing Honduras 3-0 and toying Switzerland 5-2. Although they tied Ecuador 0-0, France already silenced their critics regarding their performance and have entered the final 16 as favorites to win the World Cup.

Standing in Les Bleus way is Nigeria. After a bumbling 0-0 draw against Iran, the Super Eagles looked revitalized as they eeked out a 1-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. With their qualification close to secured, Nigeria gave Argentina a decent fight in a 3-2 defeat, finishing in second place in the group. Despite their poor creativity and lack of finishing touch, the Nigerians hope their counterattacks, athleticism, and a handful of saves from Vincent Enyeama will be enough to oust the French.

"Projected Starting XIFrance: Lloris, Evra, Sakho, Varane, Debuchy, Cabaye, Valbuena, Sissoko, Matuidi, Benzema, GiroudNigeria: Enyeama, Ambrose, Oshaniwa, Omeruo, Yobo, Musa, Onazi, Obi-Mikel, Odemwingie, Uchebo, Emenike"

Keys for France

– Patience in the midfield. France can easily carve up the Nigerian midfield and control the ball for 60% of the match. While it’s a given that France will hold the ball for majority of the game, Les Bleus must be smart in how they will use their possessions. As the dominant team, France should know that time is on their side, so they should take their time to figure out how to break down the Nigerian defense and create an opportunity at goal.

– Defensive discipline is key. The French players are fast and athletic, but the Nigerians have passed the eye test as the fastest team in the tournament. Although the French defenders could match Nigeria’s forwards physically, it’s better to stay disciplined and play where their position dictates. Nigeria’s poor creativity will stump themselves if the French keep composed.

Keys for Nigeria

– Counterattack is the key. As predictable as it seems, Nigeria’s only weapon to defeat the French is the counterattack. Their poor creativity has hindered them from making clear cut chances at goal, relying solely on their opponent’s mistakes to find the net.

– Save energy until late game. Nigeria should not opt to park the bus or use bunkerball tactics, but they should play conservatively. Nigeria must choose their attacking opportunities wisely in the beginning of the match and go all out by the time France is tired from their relentless barrage of attacks. If France is up by at least 1-0 by the 70th minute but are entirely gassed out, Nigeria has the clearcut chance to turn the match to their favor and play to a win or draw in extra time. They can ride the momentum from there.

– No margin of error. As obvious as it sounds, Nigeria has to play perfect defense against the French and can’t afford any mistakes.

Key Battles

– Emenike vs Sakho – This is a battle between two athletic freaks who are deemed “raw” at their positions. Emenike has the positioning, off-ball movements, speed, and strength to be a great striker but his finishing has been atrocious at best. Sakho too boasts strength and speed, and has shown improvements in defensive discipline and anchoring a backline. While Sakho has met his share of fast and clinical strikers in the group stage, this will be his first time against such physical specimen.

– Yobo vs Benzema – The veteran Fenerbahce center back will be in charge of taming a beast like Benzema who has been on a tear throughout this World Cup. Benzema has been at the right place at the right time in his scoring chances and knows how to finish from anywhere. Yobo will responsible for bodying up on this bruising striker who happens to have a touch of finesse.

– Musa vs Debuchy – The Nigerian winger will be handful for Debuchy in this match. Musa scored two eye-opening goals against Argentina and isn’t afraid to take on the French. In fact, Musa is a vital component to Nigeria’s offense and seems to be the only one capable of creating shots for his teammates and himself. If Debuchy wants to prevent Nigeria from assembling any form of offense, then he must shut down Musa at all costs.

"Staff Writer PredictionsYoung Kim: France will take this match 3-0. This is a piece of cake for Les Bleus. Given the fragile state of Nigeria’s midfield and backline, France should have a feast against their opponents. Boasting one of the best and most cohesive midfield in the tournament, France should create plenty of chances for Benzema and help him take the lead in the Top Scorers ranking.Drew Thompson: 3-1 France. Nigeria have pace and they work hard like all other African sides but they lack the final product. France are on a high after the group stage, have multiple creative sparks in their XI and know how to capitalize on the mistakes of others. Also Benzema and Valbuena will be too much to handle in the final third."