23 June 2012

France Hoping to Beat Spain at Their Own Game

12 years ago France beat Spain in a thrilling Euro 2000 quarter-final with goals from Youri Djorkaeff and legendary figure Zinedine Zidane. Raul then blazed a last minute penalty over the bar for Spain as France marched on to take a classic Euro 2000 final against Italy 2-1 with a golden goal from David Trezeguet after Sylvain Wiltord had equalised in injury time. Zidane was named player of that tournament and was acclaimed as one the best players ever. He went on to guide France to another final, this time in the 2006 World Cup where they again met Italy but lost on penalties after Zidane scored and then was sent off. A lot has changed in French football since that day in Berlin. At both Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 all they could manage was one point and bottom spot in their group.

After World Cup 2010 France embarked on a programme to try to restore themselves as one of Europe's footballing powerhouses in the wake of player unrest and revolt. Much-maligned manager Raymond Domenech was replaced by former defender Laurent Blanc and the French started to try to replicate the possession football of the 'golden generation' a few years before. Now much has changed since 2006 and on Zidane's 40th birthday the French will attempt to play as they did in 2006 when they beat Spain 3-1 in the last 16; a win courtesy of the style of play that Spain are now famous for. Spain the reigning European and World champions will have plenty to say about that as they endeavour to continue to become the first nation to win three major tournaments in a row.

Spain play with seven Barcelona players and may play without a recognised striker in the team; as they did in the opening match against Italy. Cesc Fabregas may play as the furthest man forward with the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Silva and Xabi Alonso behind him. However Fernando Torres has shown signs of a return to form and he will be hoping to lead the attack in the absence of the injured David Villa. France have started to play very good passing football with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema the focal point of their forward line. Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has continued on from a good season in England with good performances in the centre so far this tournament while France look relatively settled at the back. France's win over Ukraine was their first win in a major finals since 2006 and were unbeaten in 23 matches before their defeat to Sweden.

Spain will rightly go into this match as favourites but have not hit top form yet in Poland and Ukraine and France will fancy their chances of setting up a semi-final with Portugal. This quarter-final should be another great game in the latest episode in France and Spain's long footballing series.

17 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  2. Sure to be a epic match, just hope it doesn't go the route of two tidal waves meeting and cancelling each other out. Looking forward to open, flowing "diski"...

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  3. Agreed! Match could go either way. Hopefully an there will be an early goal as I think this would make it into a really exciting match. Could well see extra-time and maybe penalties

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  4. Penalties would be tragic! It's like a master Samurai being killed by a bullet :P... early goals are always good for such games, keen to see whether Spain can break Frances hoodoo over them in competitive (tournament) football.

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  5. Yeah, I was just watching BBC highlights from when Spain lost 3-1 to France in 2006 World Cup, that was a great game

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  6. You have your early goal my good sir...

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  7. indeed! now France have to step it up, been wasteful in possession so far

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  8. Wow, what a 1st half! Felt like I was watching two boxers have a go at each other. Sure Spain have the advantage and possesion but France are from from being out of it. Awesome freekick from Cabaye.

    If I were Blanc I would have started with Menez ahead of Malouda (since nasri is on the bench), he hasn't looked sharp for me.

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  9. Yeah great first half. France are in with a good shout if they can keep their shape. Yeah Malouda has been poor all tournament and he should have tracked back for Spain's goal, I never see him as much of a team player. Surprised he didn't start with Menez or Nasri.

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  10. Some since prevails...

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  11. Yeah France could get back in this. I fancy Spain to get more on the counter-attack now though

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  12. Checkmate... one wonders if Blanc will stay on after this considering his issues with the French FA president and team personel issues.

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  13. That was very disappointing in the end. France were poor and I think you're right. Looks like Blanc might be set to go to Spurs.

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  14. Definitely disappointing, anti-climatic, France were just not clinical enough and didn't create the chances they needed to force a goal.

    As you said, poor finish to what was a potentially tantilising 2nd half. I definitely think Spain have one foot in the final, I don't see Portugal stopping them.

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  15. Spain will be expected to beat Portugal but I think it will be closer match. Portugal have more threat going forward than France, but it is starting to look like it could be a Spain v Germany final again.

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  16. I agree... Italy vs England tomorrow, tempted to ask you what you thoughts are but I'll wait for your next blog :)

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  17. Yeah all I will say is that I think it will be a very tight match. :P

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