Didier Deschamps spoke of his pride after seeing France hold their nerve to grind out a 2-0 victory over Nigeria.
Les Bleus could have grown disheartened towards the end of a testing last-16 encounter in Brasilia, with everything they threw at their African opponents repelled by heroic defending and goalkeeping.
They kept plugging away, though, and were rewarded 11 minutes from time when a misjudgement by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama allowed Paul Pogba to nod into an empty net.
France then added a second in stoppage-time as Mathieu Valbuena’s low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Joseph Yobo.
Deschamps’ side now march on to the quarter-finals, where they will face Germany, and there is a determination within their ranks to show that they are capable of going all the way.
"I am very proud of everything we did from the start," said Deschamps.
"There was tension out there. They are a very strong side and there were a lot of duels.
"But we're through. We're in the quarter finals and we'll do everything we can to go a stage further."
Pogba also aired his delight at having made a telling contribution to the contest, with his third senior international goal helping to settle French nerves.
The 21-year-old Juventus midfielder said: "There are no words to describe this.
"I know there is a whole country behind us. Scoring that goal really liberated us. I am so happy for the team and all France. I'm speechless."
"To score a goal for your country, especially in an important match like this to get into the World Cup quarter finals, it's one of the best moments of my life."
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