Brasilia, June 30: France struck twice in the second half to beat Nigeria 2-0 and enter the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Nacional, here today. France broke the deadlock in the 79th minute through Paul Pogba before doubling their lead in additional time through an own by Joseph Yobo.

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[Read: Germany beat Algeria 2-1]

Nigeria started on bright note and enjoyed the lions' share of possession at least in the opening 20 minutes of the game. Neigeria's persistent efforts resulted in a free-kick just outside the French circle in the 17th minute when Peter Odemwingie was brought down by Blaise Matuidi but the Super Eagles failed to cash in on the chance.

This is the third loss of the Super Eagles in the Round of 16 in WC

Two minutes later, Emmanuel Emenike found the back of France net with a deft touch only to to be ruled out marginally off side by the line referee. Nigeria certainly was on top at the opening exchanges as France played the second fiddle.

But France got their acts back quickly and had a great chance in the 22nd minute only to be denied by a brilliant Vincent Enyeama in front of Nigeria goal. Enyeama showed brilliant reflexes to keep out Paul Pogba's powerful shot after a one-two with Mathieu Valbuena.

France enjoyed a rare spell of possession in the last 12 minutes of the opening half but to no avail as their forwardline lacked creativity. The Les Bleus had one one of the best chance of the half in the 40th minute when Valbuena clipped a ball into the onrushing Debuchy whose effort was off target. The Newcastle man should possibly have done better with that despite the box being crowded with bodies.

PTI