Written by @Chadley_N for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
France vs Nigeria | Monday 30 June | Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília | 18:00
European giants France take on African champions Nigeria on Monday night in the second round of the 2014 World Cup. France will be looking to return to the form they showed in their opening two games, thrashing Honduras and Switzerland, while the Nigerians will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. France drew 0-0 with 10-man Ecuador on Wednesday to advance to the last sixteen of the World Cup at the top of their group, sending the South Americans home from the tournament as a result of the dour contest. Nigeria scraped through behind already-qualified Argentina, becoming the first African team to reach the Round of 16 at the tournament.
To Win (90mins)
France 5/10
Draw 31/10
Nigeria 53/10
France
Les Bleus came into the match against Ecuador having played some of the most exciting football of the group stage, scoring eight goals in the process of beating Honduras and Switzerland in their first two matches. But with qualification—and first place in the group—all but assured, manager Didier Deschamps rested some key regulars against Ecuador, including playmaker Mathieu Valbuena and striker Olivier Giroud (the latter entered the match as a second-half substitute). The results of the changes were obvious, as France were held scoreless for the first time in Brazil. But regardless of Wednesday’s lacklustre offensive performance, Les Bleus will enter the knockout stages as one of the teams to watch. Karim Benzema is well and truly seizing his chance to impress, having scored three goals so far in this World Cup.
The French number ten is finally delivering for Les Bleus after years of underperforming and his renaissance is one of the reasons why France have have looked so deadly in this tournament. Defensive midfielder Blaise Matuidi is one of the most valuable members of the French team. A tireless runner with tremendous stamina, he is also a tenacious tackler and a careful passer. He rarely does anything flashy, but his ability to keep things simple has proved invaluable for French champion Paris Saint-Germain and the national team over the past two seasons. One player who has yet to reach his full potential is Juventus star, Paul Pogba. However, when at his best, he is a joy to watch and remains a key figure for France. He’s graceful, athletic, solid in tackles and an excellent passer while also having a brilliant eye for goal.
Nigeria
Many teams change their tactics when they come up against one of the ‘big’ nations, such as Argentina. Not Nigeria, though, who refused to simply sit back and soak up the pressure. The Africans were not averse to getting men behind the ball when Argentina were in possession, but nor were they afraid to attack with gusto, and in numbers. Rather than going into their shells when Messi scored early, Nigeria swept forward and struck back immediately. The vigour with which Nigeria took on one of the tournament favourites proves they deserve their spot in the knockout stages of Brazil 2014. African teams have not had the best World Cup overall, but the Super Eagles have shown more intent and more promise than group opponents Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran. Scoring twice against Argentina indicates they are a side who can trouble anyone in the competition. The man to watch will be Ahmed Musa. The zippy number seven put in a classic World Cup performance of his own for the Super Eagles against Argentina. Both of his goals were excellent, and both depended on an element of surprise. This will be the second time Nigeria and France meet with their last match ending in a 1-0 victory for Nigeria in 2009.
VERDICT: Draw 31/10
The Super Eagles have played with hunger and determination since disappointing in their opening game against Iran. France failed to beat Ecuador in their final group game and the Nigerians could give them an even sterner test. The draw at 3/1 looks a healthy bet.
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