Team Nigeria played a lack luster game and were outclassed by the German machines. Germany pushed past Nigeria with an easyt 1-0 win to book their place in the FIFA under-20 World Cup quarter finals.
Both teams went for similar starting line-ups from their last game. Germany brought Robert Bauer back to the starting line-up after powering past Honduras, replacing Maximilian Wittek in defence. As for Nigeria and Manu Garba, they opted for an unchanged starting eleven - keeping faith in the same side that beat Hungary.
Germany started much better than their opponents and were menacing from the get-go. A combination of quick passing and high pressing had the Nigerians backed into their own half.
Germany take the lead through Öztunali
The early signs were ominous and Germany took the lead after another period of pressure, with Levin Öztunali providing the opening blow.
The hard work from Marc Stendera to win the ball back, glide past the challenge and then feed the Werder Bremen man was quite incredible. Then again so was the power on Öztunali's 20-yard strike, which left Joshua Enaholo flapping at it as the ball flew past him and into the corner.
Nigeria were struggling to create anything of note and only a free-kick from Musa Muhammed forced the lonely figure of Marvin Schwäbe into a save.
After Bernard Bulbwa and his fellow forwards looked like they were starting to make headway, Enaholo was forced into an impressive stop from Hany Mukhtar's header.
The play from Germany was next level, though Stendera couldn't take advantage of some slick passing and movement from Julian Brandt, Bauer and Mukhtar. Enaholo again made the stop, keeping Nigeria in with as the half-time whistle sounded.
Germany continue their dominance into the second half
Isaac Success replaced Saviour Godwin early in the second half, with Garba looking to find a way through the German resistance.
The opening exchanges of the second 45 were very even, with neither side able to create a clear-cut chance - Frank Wormuth's side still looked the more threatening, however.
That shone through on the hour mark when Öztunali went on a mazy run and picked out Mukhtar, though his tame effort was hooked off the line.
Niklas Stark had been a threat from set-pieces all evening and he nearly headed home a second, only for Enaholo to pressure him into putting his effort off target.
Bulbwa, again, looked to be Nigeria's best outlet with his pace and he was beginning to get the better of his opposite number, but he couldn't find the crucial final ball needed to level the scoring.
Taiwo Awoniyi finally broke through the German defence with a long ball over the top. Surprisingly, however, he couldn't break away from the recovering Marc-Oliver Kempf, who showed a great turn of pace to get back and make the tackle.
Nigeria's late pressure all in vain
Despite their best attempts to force an equaliser and pull level with the opposition, Nigeria just could not get the goal they needed.
Success almost provided that moment, though it curled just wide of the post. Abdullahi Mustapha had to make a vital interception at the other end, preventing Julian Weigl from sealing the win.
The final whistle sounded and Germany had secured their place in the quarter-finals. They will face Mali for a last four berth, though Nigeria can still hold their heads high after a fine performance and tournament.
Recent Posts by hi5naija