France ran out 2-0 winners in their World Cup last 16 tie against African champions Nigeria.
Second half goals from Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and a Joseph Yobo own goal were enough for the French to progress to the quarter finals in a warm Brasilia.
Nigeria went close to taking the lead on the 18th minute. A low cross from Ahmed Musa was turned home by forward Emmanuel Emenike, only for the linesman to rule the effort out for offside.
Pogba was denied moments later as his volley from close range was brilliantly saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
Five minutes before half time, after neat build up play from the French, Mathieu Debuchy sliced his effort wide when he should have hit the target.
Ten minutes after half time Lazio player Ogenyi Onazi was stretchered off after a collision with Blaise Matuidi in which the French midfielder was shown the first yellow card of the game.
Nigeria were building pressure on the French goal and Peter Odemwingie forced Hugo Lloris into a smart save with a shot from 25 yards.
France went close to breaking the deadlock in the 69th minute. A lovely one-two between Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena, left the Real Madrid striker with only Enyeama to beat but the Nigerian goalkeeper made a fine save to keep the game goalless.
The French went even closer just seconds after as Yohan Cabaye saw his brilliant strike rebound off the bar and cleared by the Nigerian defence.
Benzema had another chance to open the scoring but his header was finely saved by Enyeama. But from the resulting corner Pogba headed home after Nigeria failed to clear the initial phrase.
French substitute Griezmann had a chance to seal the win for the French but his effort was saved by the impressive Enyeama.
France secured the win in injury time when Joseph Yobo deflected the ball into his own net from a Valbuena cross.
Pogba was undoubtedly the difference between the two sides and now France will meet either Germany or Algeria for a place in the Semi-finals.
Follow Richard Hinman on Twitter: @RichardHinman
