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Liverpool announce signing of Adam Lallana from Southampton

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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">Liverpool have completed the signing of midfielder Adam Lallana from Southampton.</strong></div>
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The England international has joined Liverpool on a long-term deal, believed to be worth around £25m, after passing a medical at Melwood.</div>
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Lallana made 250 appearances during his time at Southampton, becoming club captain in 2012, and hopes to play a key role as the Reds pursue silverware next season.</div>
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Liverpool new signing Adam Lallana says he is excited about the next chapter of his career and can’t wait to get started</div>
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"I'm so excited for the next chapter of my career, coming to a special club like Liverpool,” he told the club’s official website. “I'm quite humbled and I just can't wait to get started.</div>
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"Hopefully I can settle in quickly, and I will give it my best throughout the whole time I'm here. I hope I can add something to the team and hopefully we can win trophies while I'm here, because that's why I'm here - for success."</div>
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The 26-year-old becomes Liverpool’s second signing of the summer, joining Rickie Lambert who also arrived from Southampton, while a deal in principle has been agreed for Bayer Leverkusen's Emre Can.</div>
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Manager Brendan Rodgers is confident that Lallana has all the attributes needed to become a success at Anfield.</div>
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"We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the Premier League's top talents in signing Adam Lallana," said Rodgers.</div>
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"He (Lallana) is an exceptional young man and someone who has a love for the game - and, most importantly, a desire to progress and improve."</div>
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Brendan Rodgers</div>
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"What is apparent about Adam is that his character is on a par with his talent.</div>
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"He is an exceptional young man and someone who has a love for the game - and, most importantly, a desire to progress and improve.</div>
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"Adam is motivated by being the best he can be and being part of something special. We believe he fits right in with what we are trying to do at Liverpool.</div>
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"We have seen, over the past two seasons in the Barclays Premier League, he has a tactical awareness to adapt to what is required of him and to put the team above his personal ambitions.</div>
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"He has leadership skills and personal qualities that make him a special commodity and I am delighted we have acted decisively to make sure he is wearing a Liverpool shirt next season.</div>
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"Adam is aware there will be great competition for places at this club and he is hungry to improve further. We are confident he will fit perfectly with the culture we have at Liverpool.</div>
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"I'm excited about working with Adam and helping him to progress even further."</div>
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Liverpool announce signing of Adam Lallana from Southampton

Liverpool have completed the signing of midfielder Adam Lallana from Southampton. The England international has joined Liverpool on a l...

World Cup: Kevin-Prince Boateng describes Ghana's preparations as 'amateurish'

Unknown 0 6:51 PM

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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">Kevin-Prince Boateng has blasted the Ghana Football Association, labelling their preparations for the World Cup as "amateurish".</strong></div>
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Schalke midfielder Boateng was sent home in disgrace from the squad along with team-mate Sulley Muntari after a series of heated rows.</div>
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Boateng verbally insulted coach Kwesi Appiah during a heated team meeting, while Muntari was reported to have physically attacked GFA official Moses Armah.</div>
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The duo were axed from the squad just hours before their crucial match against Portugal, which Ghana lost 2-1 to leave them bottom of Group G.</div>
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"It was a nightmare from the first day of the preparation to the end."</div>
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Kevin-Prince Boateng</div>
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Former Portsmouth and Tottenham ace Boateng claims the GFA failed to live up to promises it made to him before arrival in Brazil, and that the tournament itself was a nightmare.</div>
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"I would have never have thought a World Cup preparation could be organised that badly, Everything was amateurish," Boateng told Bild. "The nightmare started on the first day of preparations and lasted until the final day.</div>
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“The GFA president (Kwesi Nyantakyi) visited me in Milan begging me to play for Ghana again. He gave me his word that we would have better travel, better organisation and preparation. He has not kept his word. In the end, I was just still dissatisfied. </div>
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“It was a nightmare from the first day of the preparation to the end,” Boateng added. </div>
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Nyantakyi: Ghana FA president</div>
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“We flew to the first training camp from Amsterdam to Miami. However, we travelled in two groups, since there was no space. One group flew through Atlanta, the other New York. We sat for around nine hours at the airport - a total of 19 hours on the road.</div>
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“The flight from Miami to Brazil a week later took 12 hours and we sat and concentrated in economy class. The legs ached. It sounds strange for an average citizen, but for a competitive athlete that is a disgrace. </div>
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"The Ghana FA president sat in business class with his wife and two children. And then in Brazil, we finally had a charter flight but my luggage was lost. Two days without football boots – it was a disaster.”</div>
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Boateng also hit out the standard of accomodation the players were forced to stay in during their time in Brazil revealing he was forced to change rooms in his hotel: </div>
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"I don't say hotel, it was a dump. I had to change rooms because my room resembled a private swimming pool with the ceiling dripping," added Boateng.</div>
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World Cup: Kevin-Prince Boateng describes Ghana's preparations as 'amateurish'

Kevin-Prince Boateng has blasted the Ghana Football Association, labelling their preparations for the World Cup as "amateurish...

Luis Suarez apologises to Giorgio Chiellini for bite on the Italy defender

Unknown 0 6:48 PM

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<img border="0" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgWVqAsJPGIQB7S1N6iaDiIO6RvAkN-QMkX3QYyS7sk_wyuA8CQPmcEMBswBoNxrgxv9gZ6th56ax1zAGvJ0_SrkeQPu1FjsTgqVBxHy3klKCCENAEjEhFBeizsjrKoaOGxi4d-uWDN14/s1600/Suarez+bite10.jpg" width="640" /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">Luis Suarez has issued a statement apologising to Giorgio Chiellini and the "entire football family" for his bite on the Italy defender and promised "there will never again be another incident" like it, while Chiellini has accepted the apology and called on FIFA to reduce the ban.</strong></div>
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Suarez issued the apology in English and Spanish on his Twitter account for the incident that led to his four-month ban from football.</div>
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The Liverpool and Uruguay forward appeared to bite Italy centre-back Chiellini in the Group D fixture on June 24, the third incident of its kind involving Suarez, but initially denied the accusation and told FIFA that he lost his balance and fell on to his opponent.</div>
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He has now been back in Uruguay for a few days and has said sorry to Chilleini, whilst also stressing that he will never be caught up in such controversy again.</div>
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"For this I deeply regret what occurred, I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family and vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like (this)."</div>
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Luis Suarez</div>
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His statement said: "After several days of being at home with my family, I have had the opportunity to regain my calm and reflect on the reality of what occurred during the Italy-Uruguay match on 24 June 2014.</div>
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"Independent from the fallout and the contradicting declarations that have surfaced during these past days, all of which have been without the intention of interfering with the good performance of my national team, the truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me. </div>
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"For this: I deeply regret what occurred. I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family. I vow to the public that there will never again be another incident like this involving me."</div>
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Chiellini responded on Twitter within minutes, accepting the apology and calling on FIFA to show leniency to Suarez.</div>
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FIFA President Sepp Blatter insists Suarez had to be punished and it was right to take into account his previous biting incidents.</div>
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"It's all forgotten," the Italian wrote on Twitter. "I hope FIFA will reduce your suspension."</div>
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Uruguayan president Jose Mujica condemned the FIFA decision to ban Suarez from all football activity for four months as "Fascist" whilst other sporting professionals have called for the Liverpool star to have medical intervention and counselling. </div>
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Suarez has bitten two other players - Otman Bakkal of PSV Eindhoven and Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea - in previous matches. </div>
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Fifa General Secretary Jerome Valcke says that Suarez needs to get help after his third biting incident.</div>
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Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is one of those to have stated that Suarez<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9364550/dalglish-suarez-needs-support" onclick="s_objectID="http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9364550/dalglish-suarez-needs-support_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #214cb8; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">needs support</a>, and he does not believe the Reds will 'turn their back' on the player.</div>
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The Scot said in his Daily Mirror column this week: "It is my belief that when you bring a player to a football club, he becomes your responsibility. You don't just turn you back on a player because he has done something wrong.</div>
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"I think you will find that Liverpool will not turn their back on Suarez, whatever the ban FIFA have decided he must serve. Of course it will be a heavy blow if the club has to do without him for the opening months of the season."</div>
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Luis Suarez apologises to Giorgio Chiellini for bite on the Italy defender

Luis Suarez has issued a statement apologising to Giorgio Chiellini and the "entire football family" for his bite on the Italy de...

Belgium face the United States in round-of-16 clash in Salvador

Unknown 0 6:41 PM

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Jurgen Klinsmann has voiced concerns over the choice of referee for his USA side's World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium.<br />
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Algerian official Djamel Haimoudi will take charge of the match at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Tuesday.</div>
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Although United States coach Klinsmann respects the decision to appoint the 44-year-old, he admits the Belgians will have a better way of communicating with the referee as they, like the official, speak French.</div>
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Klinsmann also pointed out that the US knocked out Haimoudi's country of birth in the 2010 World Cup.</div>
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"We hope it's not a concern," Klinsmann told a press conference.</div>
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Jurgen Klinsmann has questioned the appointment of a French-speaking referee for the USA's World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium.</div>
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"We know that already he did two games very well so we hope he continues that.</div>
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"Is it a good theory? No. He is able to speak French with their players on the field and not with us.</div>
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"And it's a country that we beat in the last second in the last World Cup.</div>
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"I understand it's difficult for FIFA to choose the right referees for the right games and it has always been tricky for FIFA, but it is what it is.</div>
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"We give it the benefit of the doubt, we respect the decision and hope that everything goes well."</div>
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FIFA has been contacted about Klinsmann's concerns, but is yet to respond.</div>
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Opta facts</h4>
<ul style="font-size: 12px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; zoom: 1;">
<li style="background: url(http://www1.skysports.com/Images/skysports/v5/v5-tile-common.png) -8px -409px no-repeat; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px;">Belgium and USA have met just once before in the World Cup, in what was for both their first World Cup game in 1930. The US ran out 3-0 winners in Montevideo.</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www1.skysports.com/Images/skysports/v5/v5-tile-common.png) -8px -409px no-repeat; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px;">Belgium have won each of their four games since that clash, keeping a clean sheet on three occasions.</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www1.skysports.com/Images/skysports/v5/v5-tile-common.png) -8px -409px no-repeat; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px;">Only Iran (30%) had a lower average possession figure in the group stage than Jurgen Klinsmann's side (39%).</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www1.skysports.com/Images/skysports/v5/v5-tile-common.png) -8px -409px no-repeat; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px;">Only three players (Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria) completed more dribbles than Eden Hazard in the group stage (13).</li>
</ul>
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Meanwhile, Belgium's Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has been ruled out of the game due to a hamstring injury.</div>
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The Diables Rouges remain hopeful that Vermaelen's fellow centre-back Vincent Kompany will be able to play, despite missing last Thursday's 1-0 Group H win over South Korea with a groin problem.</div>
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"We'll take a decision on Kompany on Tuesday and see how he reacts," Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said.</div>
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Klinsmann's main injury concern, meanwhile, is to Jozy Altidore. The Sunderland striker has sat out the last two games after suffering a hamstring injury in the Americans' opener against Ghana on June 16.</div>
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Altidore will make Klinsmann's match day squad, but he may not start.</div>
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"We don't know how many minutes he will play, but he's available," Klinsmann said.</div>
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"We worked day and night on him but it's difficult to say how long he can play for."</div>
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<img src="http://e0.365dm.com/14/07/210x110/marc-wilmots-belgium-press-world-cup-fifa_3166058.jpg?20140701084357" style="border: 0px;" /><div class="v5-txt-cpt" style="background: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: white; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding: 5px 0px 7px 12px;">
Wilmots: Speaks to the press in Salvador</div>
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The US scraped through a tough group containing Germany, Portugal and Ghana to make it through to the last 16.</div>
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Some expected the Americans to finish bottom of their group, but Klinsmann is not content with just making it through to the last 16.</div>
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"We came out of a very difficult group. But now we want more," the former Tottenham striker said.</div>
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"We are very hungry and focused. We have a lot of respect for Belgium, but we have no fear at all. We want to go far.</div>
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"We have a great spirit in our group. It feels like we are just getting started. It's not like we have been here for six weeks.</div>
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"We are positive. There is a good team spirit. We are hungry for more and we want to prove that tomorrow night.</div>
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"I am confident that if every player plays to his limits we will have a positive outcome."</div>
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<strong>Charlie Nicholas' prediction</strong></div>
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Belgium... haven't really clicked. There's no real formation or identity or adaptability... I feel it goes to extra-time. Once into the extra half-hour, I think the USA will nick it, because their athleticism and determination will shine through.</div>
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Belgium face the United States in round-of-16 clash in Salvador

Jurgen Klinsmann has voiced concerns over the choice of referee for his USA side's World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium. Algerian o...

Argentina face Switzerland in Sao Paulo for a place in the quarter-finals

Unknown 0 6:38 PM

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Argentina and Switzerland will battle it out for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals when they meet at the Arena de Sao Paulo on Tuesday.</div>
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Argentina qualified for the last 16 by finishing top of Group F, having won all three of their matches by a single goal.</div>
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Lionel Messi was in inspired form to net four of their six goals and he is currently just one behind Colombia’s James Rodriguez in the scoring charts, but Argentina were otherwise far from convincing and coach Alejandro Sabella knows there will be no margin for error against Switzerland.</div>
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He said: "We know we have to be very focused and maintain balance.</div>
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"Obviously at this stage there is no margin for error, in the group stage there is chance of a recovery.</div>
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<h4 style="color: #000002; font-family: SkyTextMedium, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
OPTA FACTS</h4>
<ul style="font-size: 12px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px; zoom: 1;">
<li style="background: url(http://www1.skysports.com/Images/skysports/v5/v5-tile-common.png) -8px -409px no-repeat; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px;">This will be the seventh international meeting between Argentina and Switzerland. Argentina are unbeaten in their previous six (W4 D2).</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www1.skysports.com/Images/skysports/v5/v5-tile-common.png) -8px -409px no-repeat; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px;">The only previous World Cup meeting between these two sides came back in 1966, when Argentina defeated Switzerland 2-0.</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www1.skysports.com/Images/skysports/v5/v5-tile-common.png) -8px -409px no-repeat; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 16px;">Argentina have had an average possession figure of 65% so far at this tournament – the highest in this finals and their highest average at a World Cup finals since 1966.</li>
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"We have to be very focused. Errors become more and more expensive."</div>
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Sabella will be forced into at least one change for the game against Switzerland, with Sergio Aguero ruled out due to a thigh problem.</div>
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Ezequiel Lavezzi is set to replace the Manchester City forward in attack, although Sabella could also opt to switch to a 4-4-2 formation.</div>
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Switzerland frontman Admir Mehmedi is confident that his side can cause an upset, adding: "I know the quality and potential of this team.</div>
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"If we defeat Argentina, we write a piece of World Cup history and many people in Switzerland proud of the team.</div>
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"I even think such success would see the world take notice, but we are not naive.</div>
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"It will take an absolutely top performance of each one of us. And I assure you, everyone will do everything we can to provide these and tearing for Switzerland."</div>
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Switzerland were thrashed 5-2 by France in the group phase but clinched their spot in the round of 16 behind Les Bleus thanks to a late 2-1 win over Ecuador and 3-0 victory against Honduras.</div>
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Xherdan Shaqiri hit a hat-trick against Honduras and will provide the main threat once again, most likely in support of lone striker Josip Drmic.</div>
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Granit Xhaka may get the nod again on the right wing, but Switzerland are without Mario Gavranovic after the striker tore his anterior cruciate ligament in training. </div>
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The winners of this tie will face either Belgium or USA in Brasilia on Saturday.</div>
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<strong>Charlie Nicholas’ prediction:</strong></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
What's good about the Swiss is that they realise they are vulnerable at the back - so are Argentina, by the way - and they go out and get forward and try and beat teams. They like to be expressive and to be fair to them, they've done okay in that department. Xherdan Shaqiri is the main hope of that.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Switzerland will try and get two men close to Lionel Messi but that will open up pockets of space for others. I'm looking to Gonzalo Higuain to come to life. He was my each-way tip for the Golden Boot but so far, he hasn't looked particularly fit.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1.4em; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
One thing I did fancy from the start was the South American teams being too strong. I tipped Argentina to beat Brazil in the final and I'm sticking to that. I think this will be comfortable for Argentina.</div>
<br />

Argentina face Switzerland in Sao Paulo for a place in the quarter-finals

Argentina and Switzerland will battle it out for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals when they meet at the Arena de Sao Paulo on Tu...

GERMANY EDGE PAST ALGERIA IN EXTRA-TIME TO BOOK QUARTER-FINAL CLASH WITH FRANCE

Unknown 0 12:54 PM

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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Germany booked a
quarter-final meeting with France after extra-time strikes from Andre Schurrle
and Mesut Ozil saw them edge past Algeria to win 2-1 in Porto Alegre.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Algeria had the
better chances of the opening 45 minutes with Germany struggling to cope with
their pace on the break. Islam Slimani did manage to beat Manuel Neuer with a
flying header, but his effort was ruled out for offside, while Faouzi Ghoulam
fired inches wide from inside the area as Vahid Halilhodzic's men threatened to
upset the odds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chelsea's Schurrle
replaced Mario Gotze at the break and he immediately caused problems among the
Algeria defence as his deflected effort looped behind for a corner before Rais
M'Bolhi tipped a Philipp Lahm strike over the bar with a fine one-handed save.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thomas Muller twice
came close as M'Bolhi palmed away his towering header before firing wide from
inside the area, and Bastian Schweinsteiger then headed Lahm's floated cross
into the arms of the Algeria stopper with Germany becoming increasingly
frustrated in front of goal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the deadlock
still to be broken, the game entered extra-time but it took Germany just two
minutes to open the scoring as Schurrle met Muller's low cross and guided it
beyond the helpless M'Bolhi with a deft flick from inside the area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ozil then wrapped
things up late on from close range when he blasted home after Schurrle's effort
was intially scrambled off the line, but second-half substitute Abdelmoumene
Djabou did manage to pull one back for Algeria late on with a powerful volley.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Algeria's plan to
hit Germany on the break was clear from the off and Slimani sneaked in behind
Per Mertesacker following a long punt up field, but luckily for the Arsenal
defender, Neuer sprinted off his line and put in a superb sliding tackle well
outside his area.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #222222; line-height: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mesut Ozil: Added late second</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feghouli then
showed Jerome Boateng up, turning the former Manchester City defender in the
box, but he could only shoot wide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Algeria thought all
the early pressure had paid off when Slimani headed El Arbi Soudani's cross in
and Algeria coach Halilhodzic flung his arms in the air, but the goal was ruled
out for offside.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Still, Algeria
continued to pile on the pressure on the counter and once again, they punted
the ball long. Mertesacker failed to control it and Feghouli raced free, only
for Neuer to dash out of his box and clear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">M'Bolhi then kept
Algeria in it with two saves in quick succession just before a frantic first
half came to an end.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Schurrle came on
for Mario Gotze at the break and made an immediate impact, latching on to
Thomas Muller's pass, but his deflected shot flew just wide. Germany were
dominating possession, but they could not beat M'Bolhi, who then pulled off an
outstanding save to deny Lahm on the hour.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Algerians' pace
still made them the most dangerous side in the second half and Neuer had to
come racing out of his area for a third time to deny Slimani with his head.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Germany had two
great chances to win with 10 minutes of the 90 left, but M'Bolhi saved Muller's
header and Schurrle's follow-up was blocked on the line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Algeria: Suffered World Cup anguish</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Schweinsteiger
should have won the game in the final minute of normal time, but he fired a
free header straight at the Algeria goalkeeper.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moments earlier
Muller embarrassingly fell over as part of a free-kick routine and it appeared
as though nothing was going right for the Germans, but that all changed less
than two minutes into extra-time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Muller pinched the
ball off Algeria full-back Aissa Mandi and squared for Schurrle, who flicked
the ball beyond M'Bolhi with his instep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Algerians
tired, but they kept looking for the equaliser. Mostefa shot just wide when he
should have tested Neuer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ozil scored in the
final minute to give Germany a two-goal cushion, but Djabou then turned home
Feghouli's cross to give Algeria a glimmer of hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was not
enough time for Algeria to find another though and Germany progressed, with
France now awaiting them in the Maracana.</span></div>
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<br />

GERMANY EDGE PAST ALGERIA IN EXTRA-TIME TO BOOK QUARTER-FINAL CLASH WITH FRANCE

Germany booked a quarter-final meeting with France after extra-time strikes from Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil saw them edge past Alg...

FRANCE LEAVE IT LATE TO EDGE OUT NIGERIA AND REACH THE LAST EIGHT

Unknown 0 12:49 PM

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A late Paul Pogba
header and an own goal from Joseph Yobo saw France to a 2-0 win over Nigeria
and a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Didier Deschamps’
side created the better of the chances throughout an evenly-matched encounter
and were able to flex their international muscles when required to get over the
line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nigeria had more
than held their own up until the 79th minute when an error of judgement from
goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama saw him flap at a set-piece and allow the ball to
drop kindly for Pogba to nod into an empty net.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #222222; line-height: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul Pogba: Put France on their way</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">France then put the
result beyond doubt in the first minute of stoppage-time when the lively
Mathieu Valbuena wriggled away from a short corner and saw his low cross turned
into his own net by an unfortunate Yobo, who was more concerned with preventing
Antoine Griezmann from getting a touch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Les Bleus will now
face Germany in the last eight, while Nigeria are still waiting to grace that
particular stage for the first time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For much of the
match, Nigeria keeper Enyeama - who plays his club football in France for Lille
- had defied the French but it was his unfortunate blunder that allowed Pogba,
the former Manchester United youth player who has made his name at Juventus,
the chance to tip the contest in favour of his side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until then, Enyeama
had been heroic - not least with a brilliant reaction save after Valbuena had
set up Pogba for a powerfully-struck volley.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With Enyeama in
such form, Deschamps' France side could not afford to be wasteful and
Valbuena's promptings in midfield looked the best avenue for attack. It was the
Marseille midfielder who conjured a neat lay-off into Mathieu Debuchy's path
only for the Newcastle full-back to send his drive wide when a goal looked
odds-on.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #222222; line-height: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joseph Yobo: Put through his own net</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Valbuena's fast
feet then saw France open up the Nigerians again but Olivier Giroud's shot on
the turn was disappointing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was not one-way
traffic, however, and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny had to be smart to
block out Peter Odemwingie when the Stoke striker threatened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blaise Matuidi then
crunched Odemwingie and from a promising position Emmanuel Emenike blasted the free-kick
high and wide. Nigeria's Fenerbahce striker then did get the ball in the net
with a great finish but was flagged for offside.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Emenike's power
posed a threat to the French and he stung the hands of Hugo Lloris with a
fizzing shot from 25 yards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the game entered
the final phase, France began to exert control, perhaps aided by Lazio
midfielder Ogenyi Onazi departing on a stretcher after a nasty late challenge
by Blaise Matuidi, who was booked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It had been a
fairly miserable game for Giroud, who had not clicked at all with Karim
Benzema, and he came off just after an hour for Griezmann.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape alt="http://e1.365dm.com/14/06/210x110/France-v-Nigeria-World-Cup-Victor-Moses_3165930.jpg?20140630181732" id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 82.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 157.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #222222; line-height: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Victor Moses: Nigeria down and out</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The change had an
immediate impact. Benzema's one-two with Griezmann on the edge of the box came
off perfectly but Enyeama managed to take the pace out of the Real Madrid
striker's shot and Victor Moses hooked it clear off the line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">France continued to
press and Benzema's cross-shot was scooped clear before Yohan Cabaye came as
close as anyone had to scoring when his 20-yard strike crashed back off the
crossbar.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Finally, France
made the breakthrough and it was hugely unfortunate for Enyeama that having
been so impressive, it was his flap at Valbuena's corner that saw the ball drop
nicely for Pogba to direct a header into the unguarded net.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 16.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enyeama made up for
it with another fabulous stop to keep out Griezmann's fiercely-struck effort
but France were not to be denied and Griezmann's step-over from Valbuena's
cross saw the ball hit the unfortunate Yobo on the shin - who had broken
Nigeria's World Cup appearance record - and roll into the net.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>

FRANCE LEAVE IT LATE TO EDGE OUT NIGERIA AND REACH THE LAST EIGHT

A late Paul Pogba header and an own goal from Joseph Yobo saw France to a 2-0 win over Nigeria and a place in the World Cup quarter...