Griezmann: I just want to be on the pitch

Antoine Griezmann is no miracle worker, but mysterious forces seemed to be at work as France took on a new dimension after his 62nd-minute introduction against Nigeria. With the young winger added to the fray in their Round of 16 tie,Les Bleus quickly upped the tempo and eked out a pair of goals in the final 11 minutes.

Griezmann even prompted the second himself, with Joseph Yobo diverting the ball into his own net under pressure from the Real Sociedad player. "I tried to get a touch at the near post, but I wasn't able to," he told FIFA, eyes glimmering at the prospect of a spot in the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals.

Griezmann's presence also led indirectly to France's opener, scored by Paul Pogba on 79 minutes from a corner won by Karim Benzema. Initially fielded out left to allow Olivier Giroud to start up front, Benzema appeared far less at ease than he had against Switzerland, when Didier Deschamps had last tried that formula. Nothing seemed to be going right for the Real Madrid striker – or his Arsenal colleague, for that matter – but swapping Griezmann for Giroud allowed Deschamps to switch things around up front.

"Karim moved back into the position he prefers, in the middle where he had a bit more space," Deschamps explained to FIFA. "Those are the kinds of options you can use during a game, depending also on what your opponents do in the first hour. I think we were a lot fresher than them at the end." 

The France coach was not surprised by the way the match unfolded. "It's the game I was expecting against Nigeria, who have a real physical presence. We had to be able to meet that challenge for the first hour, then in the last half an hour make more use of our pace and dynamism. We took advantage of the fact that the four Nigerian forwards defended a little less in the last 20 minutes."

Having Griezmann on the pitch gave Les Bleus a valuable outlet as they looked to press home that advantage, and the 23-year-old was able to reflect afterwards on a job well done. "I tried to help the team by playing one-touch passes," he said. "I'm happy with my performance. You could see in the first half that it was difficult to get behind them, but it was better after the break. When I came on, I made runs in behind the defence. The rest of the team had worn their defence down well before I came on."

'Mobility and pace'
"I could have gone with that option from the start and maybe it would have worked and maybe it wouldn't," added Deschamps. "Instead, I decided to have a target man in the middle, with Olivier Giroud fighting for balls in the air against their defence. Antoine has other qualities, obviously – lots of mobility and pace."

He has brought an injection of vitality too, having been involved in France's senior set-up for less than six months. Indeed, as one of the newest faces in the squad and a potentially game-changing figure from the bench, Griezmann calls to mind Franck Ribery – France's big absentee this year – when the Bayern Munich star exploded on to the scene at Germany 2006.

Like Ribery that summer, the Macon native oozes energy and nonchalance on the pitch, but his youthfulness is evident on the bench too, where he watches games with a rare intensity. "I feel stressed and I want to be out on the pitch," he said. When there's a chance, I get up, I want to jump in fact - I can't stay still. And when the coach gives me the nod, I try to give everything."

Having such a talented and motivated subs bench could well prove crucial for Deschamps in France's last-16 meeting with Germany, as the competition continues to hot up in Brazil. The former midfielder will also draw strength from his team's capacity to grind out a victory in tough circumstances. "That'll make us even stronger," he said. "We had a very good group stage and finished first, but every match is decisive now. To be one of the eight teams left in the quarter-finals makes me very proud. My players deserve it."

Schurrle, Ozil scrape Germany into France showdown

Extra-time goals from Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil proved enough to edge Germany past Algeria and into a FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final against France. After the first 90 minutes ended goalless, Schurrle’s sublime flick broke the deadlock and Ozil doubled the European giants’ lead, with Abdelmoumene Djabou’s 11th-hour goal proving too little, too late for the spirited north Africans.

The Germans started as overwhelming favourites, but it was Algeria who bossed the opening exchanges. Manuel Neuer vacated his area to attempt to clear a long ball forward, but Islam Slimani’s pace enabled him to get to it just before the Germany goalkeeper and knock it past him down the left. The 26-year-old striker attempted to stroke it into the unguarded net, but the sliding Neuer was able to clear it out for a corner and spare himself embarrassment.

Slimani then had a header ruled out for offside, before Faouzi Ghoulam latched on to El Arabi Hillel Soudani’s canny through ball and blasted a shot just wide.

Germany’s only chances of the first half came when Adi Mbolhi failed to hold long-range strikes. When Toni Kroos and Ozil saw their efforts parried, however, Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller failed to capitalise on the rebounds.

The last opportunity of the period fell to Algeria, with Mehdi Mostefa’s goal-bound drive deflecting wide off Jerome Boateng.

Germany, so lethargic in the first half, began the second in top gear. Muller headed straight at Mbolhi from close range, before the Algeria keeper made an acrobatic save to flick a Philipp Lahm strike round the post. 

The three-time World Cup winners continued to dominate possession but failed to create any meaningful opportunities, before a brief period of Algerian pressure began on 75 minutes. Sofiane Feghouli flashed a half-volley narrowly wide, Slimani’s piledriver stung Neuer’s hands, and Soudani’s cross was vitally intercepted by Boateng.

Germany regained control and, after Bastian Schweinsteiger had nodded wide, Muller headed straight at Mbolhi from six yards. The Algeria keeper’s parry fell to substitute Schurrle, but his shot was blocked.

Muller then produced two exquisite touches to bring down a long ball and trick his way inside a defender, but he couldn’t do the easiest part and keep his shot on target from nine yards.

The final opening of normal time fell to Schweinsteiger, but the unmarked midfielder’s close-range header lacked power and accuracy.

Germany had missed a series of second-half chances, but Schurrle took their first of extra-time with aplomb. Muller broke down the left but his cross was a little behind the Chelsea forward. It looked like the chance would pass by, but Schurrle let the ball run through his legs and sublimely flicked it past Mbolhi with his heel.

Germany commanded play thereafter and Ozil thumped home a rebound from close range to make it 2-0 on the stroke of full-time. Djabou did slot the ball home to give Algeria a glimmer of hope, but they had insufficient time to search for an equaliser.

Vahid Halilhodzic and his charges, who arrived in Brazil as supposed whipping boys, go home with their heads held high. Joachim Low and his men head to Rio de Janeiro for a Maracana meeting with France.

Mikel positive despite Nigeria exit

It may be something of a footballing cliché that “at the highest level, any error can prove fatal” but on Monday, at the Estadio Nacional, it most certainly rang true. Having shown organisation and initiative aplenty in their Round of 16 clash versus France, Nigeria’s hopes of clinching a first ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final were dealt a hammer blow in the 79th minute.

From a French corner kick, Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama – who had been in fine form throughout the match – misjudged the high ball, enabling the unmarked Paul Pogba to nod Les Bleus into a crucial lead. Though the error turned out to be the beginning of the end for Nigeria, it should by no means overshadow their positive campaign here at Brazil 2014.

“Honestly, I don’t think that we should be feeling bad right now,” said captain John Obi Mikel to FIFA,  having had time to shower and cool down after the heat and emotion of a very even encounter. “We’ve had a great tournament and today we showed the whole world just what we’re capable of, even when up against a great team.

“I think that we played really well from the start, right up until we conceded the opening goal,” added the Chelsea midfielder. “From that moment on, I’ll admit that we let our heads drop a bit. We couldn’t drag ourselves back into it, but none of that should take the shine off our performance.”

In Mikel’s view, were it not for the costly corner mix-up, the 1998 world champions would have been unlikely to pierce the Nigerian backline. “We were very well-organised,” said the No10.

“We knew exactly what we needed to do in defence against a strong team like France and, on top of that, whenever we had the ball we weren’t afraid to attack. We even had good chances to go in front ourselves. We got so much right, but mistakes do happen. What else can we say? We need to forget it and move on.”

Midfield tussle 
Not that Mikel will be able to forget the titanic battle he enjoyed in the centre of the park with France counterpart Pogba, the powerful duo shadowing each other from start to finish in Brasilia.

“It was an incredible duel, it’s true. There were times when I thought he was starting to look tired, but then he went and scored the opening goal. I guess that, in the end, he wasn’t that tired! But yes, the two of us had a really good tussle,” said Mikel, just as Pogba passed behind him in the mixed zone and gave him a friendly pat on the back.

“I was just talking about you. Good luck for the rest of the tournament,” said Mikel to the Juventus star, showing admirable good manners, before winding up his conversation with FIFA.

“He’s an unbelievable player, isn’t he? He got the better of me today, but I’m sure we’ll come up against each other loads more times in the future. Who knows, maybe even at the next World Cup?”

Gago, Zabaleta stress Albiceleste evolution

If you were coach of a team about to compete in the World Cup, would you want your side to arrive at the tournament firing on all cylinders, or  prefer your players to peak later in the competition?

It is a question with no easy answers. But once the tournament starts, all you can do is adapt to your situation as best you can. That is certainly the case with Alejandro Sabella's Argentina, who, ahead of their Round of 16 duel against Switzerland, seem to be hitting form at just the right time.

After a shaky debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina and a narrow and, at times, painful victory over Iran, Argentina finally looked convincing in their 3-2 win over Nigeria. The victory meant the team finished top of Group F with maximum points.

"We should be happy with our results so far. It’s not easy to take nine points from three games at the World Cup," full-back Pablo Zabaleta told FIFA. "What’s most important, though, is that we’re improving as the tournament progresses. Against Nigeria we played better than we had in the previous two games, which was our objective. From now on the slightest mistake can send you home," added the 29-year-old Manchester City defender.

"If you want to grow during a tournament, the key thing is to learn from your mistakes, and that’s what we’ve done,” agreed Fernando Gago. “We’ve been improving bit by bit, and now we’re in a situation where one point is no longer enough for our opponents. That should open up more space for us, and we’ll be able to play to our strengths," added the midfielder, who made his 52nd international appearance against the Super Eagles.

Unfinished business at the backAside from the evolution of the side described by the two players, who were team-mates at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2005 and the 2008 Olympic Football Tournament, it is clear that the performance of the team’s rearguard remains a hot topic for both Argentina and their opponents.

"I think we’ve been playing well," argued Zabaleta. "Because of our style of play, we sometimes leave a lot of space for our opponents to exploit on the counter-attack, which is never easy for a defender. But that’s our philosophy, and we’ve had two years of good results playing this way," added the full-back, who won his 40th cap against Switzerland.

As part of the back line of a highly attack-minded midfield, Gago provides vital support not just to the defensive unit, but also to his team-mates. "I heard some criticism of the goals we conceded against Nigeria, but both came from counter-attacks, and for the second goal, I think I accidentally knocked the ball into the path of the Nigeria player.”

Zabaleta and Gago are right. The images of the last two games show that while Iran took advantage of the spaces that the two players mention, making goalkeeper Sergio Romero the Argentina hero that day, the story was very different against Nigeria. In that fixture, credit must be given to Ahmed Musa for both goals. For the first he hit a blistering diagonal strike that flew past five defenders, while for the second he pounced on the failed clearance that Gago mentioned.

Despite their team’s improvement, the two players are aware of the danger that Switzerland present. "Their forwards are very quick, so we’ll have to be on our guard. But we have plenty of pace of our own, and our style of play can make things difficult for them," said Gago. "We have to stay focused," added Zabaleta. "There are no easy games at the World Cup. Just look at the teams that have been knocked out, and those that are still in the race. Everyone wants to get to the final. I hope we can take our first step against Switzerland.”

Neymar fit to take on Colombia

Brazil star Neymar will be fit to face Colombia in Friday's FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final in Fortaleza, a spokesman for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed today.

"It is not a problem for the game. He is undergoing treatment for a heavy knock to the [right] knee and another lesser knock to the [left] hamstring," CBF communications director, Rodrigo Paiva, told journalists at Brazil's training base in Teresopolis.

"It might reduce his involvement in training, but there is no risk for the game."

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had raised some doubt as to Neymar's chances of playing against Colombia after he came out of Saturday's dramatic Round of 16 win against Chile in Belo Horizonte battered and bruised.

"We need to evaluate it but we should have three, four or five days to try and make sure he can play the next game," he said.

However, the Barcelona forward continued playing and scored a crucial penalty in the shootout, which the hosts won 3-2 to progress to the last eight.

Paiva added that centre-back David Luiz had "improved a lot" after back trouble initially put his involvement against Chile in some doubt, while midfielder Oscar was suffering from a "large scratch" to the back of a leg.

Vermaelen out, Kompany a concern

Belgium could be without both of their first-choice centre-backs, captain Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen, for their FIFA World Cup™ Round of 16 clash with USA.

Coach Marc Wilmots said Vermaelen, who has a knee problem, would definitely miss the game while Kompany is also an uncertain starter as he struggles to overcome a groin injury.

However, Wilmots, who is yet to lose a competitive match since he took over the Red Devils in 2012, reassured that there were no such concerns over attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who quit training on Sunday with an ice pack on his left calf.

"I don't know about Vincent and whether he will be fit," said the 45-year-old. "We will see how it evolves.

"Thomas, though, has not enough time to be fit by tomorrow. He will be fit if we make the quarter-finals. He will return to full squad training in a day or two. Marouane is fine, no problem."

The absence of 30-year-old Kompany, in particular, would be a huge blow for a Belgian side that won all three matches in their group but without really convincing performances.

France-Nigeria: Quotes

Didier Deschamps, France coach
Nigeria played a very physical game and had a real presence across the pitch. It was a challenge to go up against that, but we managed it. For an hour, the teams were pretty even, but then we were able to get the upper hand in the last half an hour. The Nigerians were tired, and they started leaving gaps in their defence. We were dynamic and quick when it mattered, while Nigeria were slowing down. This deserved win will make us even stronger for the rest of the competition. I'm very proud to have reached the quarter-finals.

Stephen Keshi, Nigeria coach
Every defeat is painful, especially when the players follow their instructions and play well, as they did against France. We didn't deserve to lose, but that's football and we have to accept it. We have to keep going forward and move on to something else now. There's no point looking for guilty parties. The team plays, wins or loses together. I'd like to thank the Brazilian public for their support during all of our games. I couldn't have hoped for more from them.

Paul Pogba, France midfielder and Budweiser Man of the MatchWe showed a lot of togetherness in how we played, and were solid in the tackles. I'd like to be able to share this prize with the whole squad. We're not afraid of anyone we could come up against because we represent France. We'll play to win by giving everything against whoever we face.   

Costa Rica gripped by football fever

It was no ordinary Sunday in Costa Rica, not with the national team qualifying for the last eight of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, further than they have ever gone before.

From the early hours of the morning the atmosphere in streets, houses and meeting places throughout the land was electric. Chants of “Oé oé oé. Ticos, Ticos” could be heard everywhere as a tide of red shirts swept across a country that is, today at least, unquestionably the happiest one in the world.

Big screens had been put up in cities such as Alajuela, San Jose and Cartago, bringing together thousands fans who experienced every sensation in a pulsating two hours of football that brought the whole of Costa Rica to a standstill.

The country’s four million inhabitants began the day full of confidence that their side could break new ground and go even further than the fabled Tico side of Italy 1990, their optimism only increasing as the kick-off neared.

“Costa Rica will win 2-0. We’re going to make history today,” shouted one excitable Tico fan decked out in the national colours, his face painted red, white and blue. Others were even more confident about their team’s chances: “5-0. Today we’re going to show the world who Costa Rica are.”

Family and friends gathered at private houses, and with the game kicking off at 14:00, it was time for fans to put some meat on the grill, prepare some gallo pinto – the national rice and bean dish – and get right behind La Sele as if they were in Recife.

“It’s crazy. We’ve been planning for this for the last two days. We’ve got family and friends here and everyone’s wearing the red shirt,” said Kenneth Villalobos, as he contemplated the festive scenes at his house.

The pain and the pleasure
The Parque Juan Santamaria in Alajuela was full to capacity, with around 2,000 people crammed into the confines of the park, where a big screen had been specially erected. All eyes were fixed firmly on it when the match kicked off, the crowd collectively holding their breath whenever the Greece goal came under threat.

As the Tico players stroked the ball around, chants of “Yes we can” went up, chants that turned to full-throated cheers when captain Bryan Ruiz put the Central Americans ahead. They could be heard right across the country’s seven provinces, as people hugged each other and jumped for joy. “That’s the first!” people shouted in celebration.

Those celebrations were cut short by Greece’s late equaliser, as a nation’s joy turned to anguish. Extra time came and went, and then it was on to penalties, a test of the players’ nerves and confidence, and that of the fans too.

“Light them up, please,” prayed a woman with tears in her eyes. Costa Rica’s first four penalty takers did not disappoint, while the country knew they could trust in goalkeeper Keylor Navas to do his bit. After a wondrous season with Levante in Spain, Navas came up with a superb reflex save to put Los Ticos on the brink. And when the winning penalty went in, the party got started.

The Fuente de la Hispanidad in the capital San Jose was the epicentre of the celebrations, while streets up and down the land turned bright red as fans waved flags and shouted “Yes we could!” at the top of their voices.

“We want more. We want the Netherlands,” were the cries from cars as supporters partied as if there were no tomorrow.

But there was a tomorrow, and when Monday dawned there were jobs to go to and work to be done, only this time no one was being reprimanded for arriving late, for swapping their uniform for the national team shirt or for talking about nothing else but football.

With the intrepid Ticos making history in Brazil, it was a Monday like no other in Costa Rica.

Hitzfeld hones plan to thwart Messi

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is planning to stop Argentinian star Lionel Messi at the FIFA World Cup™ and prolong a glittering career in his last tournament before retiring.

The former Bayern Munich coach said he would demonstrate how to neutralise the Barcelona genius, who has plundered four goals in three games so far in Brazil, in the Round of 16.

The German, who has promised to quit football after the FIFA World Cup, added that he was not approaching Tuesday's showdown with the thought that it may be his last game.

"How to stop Messi? We'll show you tomorrow how we do it," Hitzfeld told reporters. "Of course I've thought with the staff how to go on and continue to the quarter-finals - so I don't think it's going to be my last match."

The comments indicate Hitzfeld, one of only five coaches to win the UEFA Champions League with two different teams, is preparing a tactical masterclass to shackle the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner.

I trust my people, I trust my defence and the entire team. The entire team will have to perform, but I'm optimistic.

Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland coach

The 65-year-old pulled off one of the great shocks of the 2010 FIFA World Cup when Switzerland beat eventual champions Spain 1-0 in the group stage, en route to an early exit.

At this edition, Switzerland, thanks to a hat-trick from Xherdan Shaqiri, recovered from a 5-2 beating by France to swamp Honduras 3-0 and reach the last 16.

"I think any defence will face problems when facing Messi. But problems are there to be solved," Hitzfeld said. "I trust my people, I trust my defence and the entire team. The entire team will have to perform, but I'm optimistic.

"I've had many challenges in my career. At the World Cup in South Africa, despite having four points we didn't make it into the second round so we have fulfilled this little dream, making it into the last 16.

"We just want to go on fulfilling the dreams we have. For me personally it's definitely a highlight in my career as a coach."

Pogba: No words for that moment

France midfielder Paul Pogba hailed his crucial goal as one of the best moments of his life asLes Bleus swept into the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals after beating Nigeria 2-0 in Brasilia.

Pogba's header came in the 79th minute and Joseph Yobo's own goal put the gloss on a hard-fought victory for Didier Deschamps' side.

The 21-year-old said: "I have no words to describe this feeling. The whole country is behind us and scoring that goal really liberated us. I am so happy for the team and all of France.

"To score a goal for your country, especially in such an important game as this, to get into the last eight of the World Cup, is one of the best moments of my life."

Deschamps said he was "very proud" of his side but admitted that France had suffered from the tension. He said: "We're in the quarter-finals now and we will do everything we can to go one step further."

Schar: Swiss can compete with the giants

The date - 25 June 2014 - is likely to live long in the memory of Switzerland defender Fabian Schar. Having been an unused substitute in his country’s first two matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, the 22-year-old made his tournament debut against Honduras and was celebrating both a victory and qualification for the last 16 come the final whistle. 

“It was my first ever World Cup game,” Schar told FIFA a couple of days later. “Before kick-off I was much more nervous than I usually am.” Not that anybody noticed, as the centre-half was a composed presence on the field, with his accurate passing and excellent positioning helping the Nati keep a maiden clean sheet at Brazil 2014 and progress to the knockout rounds.

Doing so meant the Swiss side met the minimum target they had set themselves and there is now a sense they can play without a burden of expectation weighing them down. With that in mind, Schar is understandably hoping for another taste of the action against Argentina.

Competition for places 
Many pundits had predicted the Basel native would be one of Switzerland’s first-choice centre-backs going into the tournament, but Ottmar Hitzfeld is spoilt for choice in that area. Steve von Bergen was considered an automatic pick, leaving Schar to jostle with Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos for the remaining slot at the heart of defence.

Schar was towards the lower end of the pecking order having arrived in Brazil on the back of a difficult season in which he was frequently forced to the sidelines with injury. However, after Von Bergen succumbed to an injury himself, Schar took up the mantel.

The two-time Swiss champion is already looking forward to testing his mettle against a menacing Argentinian attack spearheaded by four-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner Lionel Messi. While Schar, who has seven international caps, believes the Albicelesteare clear favourites due to the “extraordinary” players in their ranks, he is confident Switzerland can cause the South Americans some problems too: “We’ve shown a few times that we can compete with, and beat, big teams.”

Victory would take Switzerland into the quarter-finals for the first time since their home World Cup in 1954. However, Schar is aware that the team will need to improve on their display against Honduras in order to do so and is backing the in-form Xherdan Shaqiri to come to the fore again. “We’re very happy to have him and I’d be delighted if he continued scoring.”

Yet the imposing defender is also conscious of the fact that Shaqiri cannot single-handedly steer Switzerland into the next round and called on every member of the squad “to give their absolute all". "That’s the only way we’ll have a chance," he added. 

If they do, Schar could well have another date forever engraved in his memory.

USA unites across FIFA platforms

World Cup fever in the USA continues to run wild with everyone from Rihanna tweeting during key matches to Robert de Niro reportedly gate-crashing a stranger's party to watch the USA-Germany game at the end of the group stage. 

It's not just in the celebrity circles that the World Cup is finding a voice either. On FIFA's digital platforms over 20 per cent of the total audience is made up of fans from the USA. 

USA’s World Cup fans on FIFA's digital platforms are growing faster than the global FIFA audience. Currently 161 million people have digitally engaged with FIFA from 1 June, with 36 million of them coming from the US, representing 22 per cent of the audience. 

The share continues into mobile, too. While 25 million people downloaded the FIFA World Cup app, 5.3 million of those downloads were from the US, representing 22.7 per cent of the audience. The USA is now the No1 country for the FIFA World Cup App. 

With many more devices for football fans to connect with the World Cup since 2010 it was bound to have a positive impact on growth. From 2010 - 2014, the four years since the last FIFA World Cup, the global audience across FDPs has grown by 174 per cent but it is visitors from the US which has grown the most dramatically at over 200 per cent. 

To put the extent of USA's dedication to the tournament into context, fans from the USA have spent a total of 847 years and 143 days engaged with FIFA digital content since 1 June.

The USA spends more time engaged with FIFA content than nearest rivals Brazil, Germany, England and France put together. On the day that USA played Germany almost 68 years were spent on the official World Cup website and app. 

It's not just on FIFA's native digital platforms that the US is making its presence known. Over the last 28 days, 38 million fans from the US, have interacted with FIFA on Facebook and currently accounts for 10 per cent of FIFA's total Facebook audience. After last night's record 16 million tweets during the Brazil v Chile game all eyes are on the USA - Belgium game on Tuesday.

France sink Super Eagles

France have marched through to the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Nigeria in Brasilia. Didier Deschamps' side were given a tough time of it by the African champions, but edged this tight encounter in the Estadio Nacional thanks to a Paul Pogba header and an injury-time own goal by Joseph Yobo.

The French started as firm favourites and it was they who created the game's first noteworthy opportunity, when Olivier Giroud twisted into space only to slice his left-foot shot wide from 20 yards. However, it was Nigeria who looked the sharper and more purposeful side for much of the first half, and it wasn't long before they were causing major problems at the other end.

The Super Eagles looked, in fact, to have taken the lead after 19 minutes when Emmanuel Emenike prodded into the net from Ahmed Musa's inswinging right-footed cross. Nigerian celebrations were to prove short-lived, though, with Emenike having strayed narrowly offside.

For France, Pogba was among the most impressive performers throughout and the Juventus midfielder came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the half. Driving forward from midfield, he slipped the ball wide to Mathieu Valbuena and continued his run to volley powerfully towards goal when the cross arrived in the box. Vincent Enyeama, though, proved equal to the challenge, agilely palming the ball away for a corner.

Pogba was again involved in the final move of the half, when a clever reverse ball by Valbuena teed up Mathieu Debuchy for a first-time shot. The ball looked sure to at least hit the target but the right-back proved wayward in his finishing and his shot flashed wide.

Nigeria remained the most dangerous side, though, and they very nearly took the lead eight minutes into the second half when Peter Odemwingie crashed in a left-foot shot from 20 yards that Hugo Lloris did well to parry clear. Closer still was Karim Benzema at the other end, who burst through onto a one-two with Antoine Griezmann and fired in a shot that squirmed past Enyeama and looked to be trundling over the line. Victor Moses was Nigeria's hero, though, racing back to volley clear just as a goal seemed likely.

It was a good spell for France, and they again came within a whisker of a breakthrough just a couple of minutes later when Yohan Cabaye's 25-yard volley rebounded to safety off the underside of the crossbar. Pressure was building, though, and after Enyeama had saved brilliantly from a close-range Benzema header, an error from the same keeper handed Les Bleus the lead. Pogba was the man to profit, heading into an unguarded net with 11 minutes remaining after Enyeama had flapped unconvincingly at a floated Valbuena corner.

France rarely looked in danger thereafter, and they made sure of their place in the last eight - and a showdown with either Germany or Algeria - when Yobo diverted Valbuena's low cross into his own net.

Hazard aiming to emulate James heroics

Belgium's Eden Hazard praised "super-good" Colombian goal ace James Rodriguez and said he hoped to make similar headlines at the FIFA World Cup™.

The Chelsea star admitted he has yet to hit form in the tournament as Belgium safely negotiated the group stages to set up Tuesday's Round of 16 game against USA.

With current top scorer Rodriguez grabbing headlines courtesy of his fabulous double past Uruguay, Hazard insisted he is itching to play a decisive role for the Red Devils.

"I think that each match I've given my maximum. Since the start of the World Cup I haven't had a great match with good moves," Hazard said.

"I haven't had a good match with good moves that could be decisive for our team. So I hope I can do that and have a good match.

"I would really like it if I can get around the pitch more and see more of the ball - and make a difference, basically."

He played a super-good match. I knew who he was but most people didn't know much about Colombia.

Eden Hazard on James Rodriguez

Hazard had been tipped to become one of the FIFA World Cup's brightest stars but found himself crowded out in Belgium's group wins over Algeria and Russia.

He nearly opened his account after coming on in the final minutes of the 1-0 victory against Korea Republic, but saw an angled shot palmed away by goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said he is still waiting for Hazard to "take hold of a match" and had discussed the problem with the 23-year-old.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, scored three times in group play and blasted Colombia into the last eight, first with a superb volley and then by finishing a team move to seal the 2-0 win.

"He played a super-good match. I knew who he was but most people didn't know much about Colombia," Hazard said of the 22-year-old Rodriguez.

"I think yes, his statistics are the best and he showed that he can carry a team. We thought it would be difficult for Colombia without [injured striker Radamel] Falcao. But he scored two superb goals."

Pressure stage
Despite his indifferent start, the assured Hazard carried a look of intent as he spoke to reporters at Belgium's training base in Mogi das Cruzes, near Sao Paulo.

The playmaker said he would have no hesitation to step forward if the clash with the Stars and Stripes goes to a penalty shootout.

"I hope it doesn't happen, because we'll all feel the pressure. But if we have to take them, I prefer to go last," he said.

"In qualifying it's easier because you have more matches. Now we've arrived at the stage where if you lose, you're out. It's multiplied by ten. One mistake and that could be it."

African outsiders face European giants

MATCHDAY PREVIEW - Africa's two remaining teams return to the fray on Monday in a pair of Round of 16 showdowns against European powers. For Algeria, through to the knockout phase for the first time in their history, that means a daunting tie against three-time winners Germany, who have looked in excellent form so far at Brazil 2014. Les Fennecs(Desert Foxes) fear no one, though, and particularly not their upcoming opponents, having edged both of their previous meetings: a 2-0 friendly win in 1964 and a 2-1 success during the group stage at Spain 1982.

Nigeria can point to a similar record against their last-16 rivals France, with the only match between the teams ending in a 1-0 triumph for the Super Eagles in June 2009. Despite that,Les Bleus have emerged as a genuine force at this FIFA World Cup™, scoring eight goals in their first two games ahead of a goalless draw with Ecuador.

That contrasted with Nigeria's more delicate progress through a very open Group F, the African champions opening with a goalless stalemate against Iran before downing Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 and losing 3-2 to Argentina in their most accomplished performance. The statistics suggest France are favourites, as does a comparison of the teams' respective trophy hauls. But who will shine when it matters?    

The matchesRound of 16

France-Nigeria, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, 13.00 (local time)

Germany-Algeria, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17.00 (local time)

Glory beckons:Miroslav Klose needs just one more effort to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, having recently drawn level with Brazil legend Ronaldo on 15 strikes. The Germany marksman has registered once so far at Brazil 2014, after notching five goals in 2002, five in 2006 and four in 2010.  

Proud record:Nigeria have become the first African team to reach the knockout phase for a third time, repeating the feat of their predecessors in 1994 and 1998. The continent still awaits its maiden semi-finalists, however, with a trio of sides having reached the last eight before exiting: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana four years ago.

Five survivors:The Super Eagles saw off France 1-0 in a friendly in Saint-Etienne on 2 June 2009. Five players involved that day could feature in Brasilia: Patrice Evra, Loic Remy and Karim Benzema for France, plus Nigerian duo Peter Odemwingie and Vincent Enyeama.

French omen:France have grabbed a spot in the knockout phase for the sixth time since 1958. Each time Les Bleus have made it out of the group stage, they have gone on to reach at least the semi-finals, finishing third in 1958, fourth in 1982 and third in 1986 before lifting the Trophy in 1998 and reaching the Final in 2006.

German juggernaut:Germany will contest their 889th international when they tackle Algeria, with their previous fixtures yielding 515 wins, 181 draws and 192 losses. The three-time World Cup winners have rattled in 1,996 goals along the way, with an average of 2.24 per game.

Suspended players

None

Treading the tightrope

Benedikt Howedes (GER)

Nabil Bentaleb, Nabil Ghilas, Liassine Cadamuro, Djamel Mesbah, Madjid Bougherra (ALG)

Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra (FRA)

Juwon Oshaniwa, Kenneth Omeruo, John Obi Mikel (NGA)

Check it outThe tie between Algeria and Germany inevitably brings to mind memories of their last World Cup meeting 32 years ago. That day, in a group stage fixture at Spain 1982,  Les Fennecs wrote one of the most glorious chapters in their history by stunning Die Nationalmannschaft 2-1. Revisit that sensational success in our video presentation, and via exclusive interviews with Lakhdar Belloumi and Rabah Madjer.

The question fans are asking themselves back in France is how Les Bleus have managed to become such a well-oiled unit with a seemingly unquenchable thirst for goals, plundering 26 and conceding just three in eight games since their play-off opener against Ukraine. In an exclusive interview with FIFA, coach Didier Deschamps provides his own take.

With the clock ticking down on France's showdown with Nigeria, FIFA also met up with Super Eagles stalwart Joseph Yobo, who briefly played in France during a spell at Marseille. Recently awarded his 100th cap, the veteran defender explains why he sees no reason to fear Benzema and Co.

On this dayBrazil clinched their fifth World Cup crown in Yokohama, Japan, on 30 June 2002, engineering a 2-0 victory against Germany in the Final. With current coach Luiz Felipe Scolari then enjoying his first stint at the Seleção helm, Brazil played in a 3-4-1-2 formation that featured the blistering talents of front trio Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo. The latter hit the two winning goals in the second half, on his way to ending the tournament as top scorer on eight strikes, while captain Cafu became the first player to contest three consecutive World Cup deciders. Miroslav Klose, meanwhile, spearheaded Germany's attack.  

Play and winMake your prediction for the adidas Golden Ball winner at Brazil 2014 and you could walk away with your very own piece of World Cup history from the Maracana Final on 13 July. The Grand Prize for the adidas Golden Ball Predictor is an official match ball used during the 2014 World Cup showpiece, so what are you waiting for? 

Top tweetFrance defender Raphael Varane tweeted his thoughts before Monday's clash with Nigeria.
"A small break after training under extreme heat. Ready for the game tomorrow!"

Memory serves nerveless Navas well

Celso Borges set the ball rolling, putting Costa Rica ahead in the penalty shootout that followed their 1-1 draw with Greece in the last 16 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ on Sunday. Next up to the spot was Konstantinos Mitroglou, who held his nerve to put the Greeks level.

By the time Theofanis Gekas stepped up to take his kick, Los Ticos led 4-3, with every player having converted. Facing him was a former team-mate in Keylor Navas.

Taking up the story in an exclusive interview with FIFA,Navas said: “We played together at Levante and I remembered what he used to do in training. I was confident he wasn’t going to change the way he takes his penalties, and in the end I was able to keep it out.”

Having given his side the edge in the shootout, Navas then looked on as Michael Umana made full use of the advantage by firing home the winning spot-kick, sending the Central Americans into the last eight for the first time in their history. As he celebrated, Navas suddenly found himself engulfed by his jubilant team-mates.  

Hearts and mindsThe scene capped a long but ultimately glorious night for the Costa Ricans, who began to dream when midfield maestro Bryan Ruiz stroked them into the lead after 52 minutes, much to the delight of a decidedly pro-Tico crowd at the Arena Pernambuco.

But just when it looked as if Jorge Luis Pinto’s side would be going through in normal time, Sokratis Papastathopoulos brought them right back down to earth with a stoppage-time equaliser for the Greeks.

We’ve always wanted to make history and you could see that here

Keylor Navas, Costa Rica goalkeeper

Reflecting on that agonising moment, the Levante keeper, who was named Budweiser Man of the Match, said: “It was very tough to take because the game was almost over. We handled it well, though. We didn’t give up despite being a man down. We kept our heads and kept believing we could make it.”

The first indication that Ticos fans would be in for a heart-stopping finale came on 66 minutes, when Oscar Duarte was sent off after picking up a second yellow card. His dismissal allowed the tenacious Greeks to take the initiative and left Costa Rica with no option but to grit their teeth and organise themselves as best they could.

By the time the referee blew his whistle to mark the end of extra-time, that man Navas had already made seven vital saves to keep his side in the game.

Recalling the moments before the shootout, the 27-year-old custodian said: “We got together in the centre of the pitch and had a chat. The message was that we’d worked so hard to get that far, and we were convinced we could win. I think everyone felt that deep down in their hearts and that’s why we got there in the end.

“There are no secrets. There are 25 of us, including the two guys who are injured but are here with us. We play from the bottom of our hearts, for our country. We’ve always wanted to make history and you could see that here.”

Then came Navas’ decisive reunion with Gekas. The duo had spent just three months together at Levante in the 2012/13 season, but it was time enough for the keeper to make a mental note of the Greek striker’s penalty-taking preferences.

“It’s a fantastic feeling. Thank God I was able to stop it,” explained Navas, who had warm words for his colleagues. “My team-mates also deserve praise for putting all their penalties away. I took confidence from that, and it definitely helped me.”

Up next for Navas and Co is a daunting trip to Salvador to face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, though as they have shown throughout Brazil 2014, the Costa Ricans care little about the reputations of the teams they face. All that is on their minds is the chance to keep on making history.

“This is a huge achievement for us,” said Navas, having the final word. “We are thrilled to bits and we’re doing something massively important for our country. We need to keep this feeling going. The Netherlands are a great side and one of the biggest teams in the world, but we’re going be just as determined when we play them and show the same character. We’ll be going out to win.”