World Cup preview: France looks to stifle Nigeria’s offense

Monday’s World Cup double dip features a pair of European powers (France, Germany) against West African nations with similar sounding names (Nigeria, Algeria).

The opener, which includes a pinch of Americana, could be a showcase for France, just four years beyond a disastrous 2010 tournament that ended in no wins and plenty of disharmony.

The French blew past two foes this year before lollygagging through a scoreless tie. While they are not beret-and-shoulders ahead of Nigeria, the challengers have been agitated by discord all too common with teams from their continent.

Practice on Thursday was called off, according to reports, over a threatened boycott by players demanding confirmation of bonus payments. It took no less than Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene and assure the team that it would be compensated as promised.

While federation officials semi-denied some media accounts and insisted all systems are go for France, recent history does not bode well for Nigeria. Pay disputes also disrupted Cameroon and Ghana, and both failed to climb out of group play.

The French racked up eight goals in their initial two games, then were held scoreless by passivity, a lineup dotted by backups and an effective goalkeeper with Ecuador.

Nigeria does present a change of pace as the first attacking team to confront France, so adjustments will be required. Winger Ahmed Musa scored twice on Argentina and nearly recorded a hat track.

Should the French score, chances are Karim Benzema will have a foot in the action. He has three goals and two assists while averaging seven shots per game. Whoever shuts him down for Nigeria will have earned his bonus money, even if it never gets paid.

The referee is former New Jersey high school math teacher Mark Geiger, who becomes the first American to officiate a Round of 16 match.