Preview, Spain-France: A break with history

Spain has a date tonight with his Everest particular, France. The quarter-finals of Euro 2012 offered a new opportunity for the Spanish team to win the first time in history the Gauls in an official tournament. The difference is that this time that Spain is a favorite part, to a French team full of doubt after a 2-0 loss to Sweden and some wardrobe problems.

After two mediocre games regardless of the outcome, Italy and Croatia, and a good level but very weak against an opponent-Ireland-the Vicente del Bosque will try to regain the feelings of the past, the mentality that it plays everything on one card and must therefore go for the win, not speculation.

Match facts

Hours: 20:45 hours
Television: Telecinco
Stadium: Arena Donbass (Ukraine)
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Betting

Which party is expected

It is expected a battle in midfield: Spain to manufacture and to destroy France. However, Laurent Blanc wanted to implement a style based on the touch, and therefore try to fight him the possession of Spain as far as possible. Always without forgetting the option of rapid transitions, using the intelligence and speed of its points. For France is a blessing to have before an opponent who does not defend with all their players behind the ball, as he passed to England or Sweden. Something very positive for gala selection is limited in the attack static, but is lethal attacking the space.

Mindful of ...

• Defend pressing. It is important for Spain to keep a good pressure every time you lose the ball. Not only to prevent the ball reaching the ends, the real danger Gaul, but to force the loss in the most delicate of France. Les Blues have proven to have many difficulties to braid the game from behind, especially technical shortcomings of Alou Diarra. It is true that the presence of Koscielny, replacing the suspended Mexes, will provide greater discretion to the computer when starting play.

• Fast circulation. Beyond false nines and double pivots, where Spain has lowered the bar on its best days has been on the ball movement. The performances of La Red Euro so far are characterized by their slow pace and unsurprising. Too many touches, poor mobility, no one asks the ball into space ... To achieve the greatest benefit Spain must increase the pace of their game and try to surprise a gala defense is undoubtedly its weak point.

• The back of the sides. The presence of Silva and Iniesta in the interior positions, with the corresponding tendency to hug the center causes the additions to the attack and Arbeloa Jordi Alba prove key to take the band to stretch opposing defense. Given the characteristics of rival today is more important than ever to protect the backs of either side. Ribery, Benzema, Nasri ... players very fast and very intelligent. By their nature are constantly changing positions and looking for weak points behind rival. Aid will be essential defensive Busquets and Xabi Alonso, plus the concentration of Pique and Ramos to correct.

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