Saturday 23 June 2012

Quarter-Final - Spain v France

Spain and France take centre stage tonight for the penultimate Quarter-Final of Euro 2012.

Spain are the reigning European and World Champions. They have revolutionised the beautiful game in recent years and will be strongly expected to set up up an all Iberian Peninsula Semi-Final with Portugal.

Spain haven't quite been at their best in this tournament but still topped their group after 2 wins and a draw. They drew 1-1 with Italy before crushing Ireland 4-0. In the final group game they were far from their best and had to rely on a late goal to clinch top spot in the group.

Spain have once again lined up without a striker. Cesc Fabregas and David Silva will rotate in the false number 9 position. I wasn't particularly impressed by them against Italy & think they look more threatening when they had a recognised striker on the pitch.

France reached the Quarter-Finals after finishing second in Group D. They started with a draw against England, then beat Ukraine. Luckily for France results went their way & they still reached the Quarter-Final despite a 2-0 defeat to Sweden.

France haven't looked particularly impressive so far and will need to improve if they want to give Spain a game.

Ribery and Benzema have been poor and it's obviously difficult for any side to play well when their two star players are playing below par. If these two turn up France can hurt Spain but they have shown very little in the first 3 games to make me think tonights the night.

Historically, Spain have never beat France in a competitive game. I'd be very surprised if that run continues beyond the next few hours.


Spain 2-0 France

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