World Cup 2014 Report: Pogba pops France into quarter-finals

Merci beaucoup: France players were grateful for Enyeama's error

France weren't at their best in seeing off Nigeria, and Betfair customers have been reluctant to show further support in the outright market for Les Bleus. Adam Shearwood assesses the first of Monday's matches...

The final score was what many on the Betfair exchange predicted; 2-0 France was available at 7.413/2 pre-kick off - excluding Any Unquoted, it was the favourite Correct Score outcome. Its many backers will enjoy their winning bet, but they were made to suffer for it by a French side who lost their way badly in the second half against Nigeria. During this period of French incompetence, the winning Correct Score drifted to a high of 16.5n/a, as the Super Eagles firmly held the upper hand.

But for wasteful delivery into the box, the African side might have made their superiority count. As it was, it was one of many quality deliveries from Mathieu Valbuena that led to France's opening goal. His wicked corner was missed by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, and in the resulting chaos the ball found its way to the forehead of Paul Pogba, who nodded calmly into the empty net. Pogba was matched at a high of 17.5n/a In-Play for the opening goal of the game.

France's second goal also came from a Nigerian error - which was unfortunate given how well they contained Giroud, Benzema and the marauding French midfield for most of the game.

Again, Valbuena was the architect, fizzing a dangerous low cross towards Antoine Griezmann which the unfortunate Joseph Yobo turned into his own net to land the 2-0 Correct Score for its many backers, and seal France's place in the quarter-finals.

Betfair customers have been lukewarm in their reaction to the victory for Les Bleus - France have moved in to 9.417/2 from 10.09/1 pre-match for 2014 Winner. They would appear unconvinced that Deschamps' team have what it takes to overcome the Germans in the quarter finals, should Jogi Low's side beat Algeria this evening.

Karim Benzema's failure to score for the second match running sees his hopes of landing the Golden Boot fade further - he's now available at 24.023/1, having been backed at a low of 4.03/1.