France vs. Spain: Match Preview

March 3rd, 2010 | by: Sarah | View Comments

This afternoon, France will play in their game since they qualified for the World Cup in that controversial game against Ireland. For their first game to prepare for South Africa, France will see how they measure up to the reigning European champions and (one of the) favorites to win the tournament this summer.

THE BACKSTORY

As if this challenge wasn’t exciting (a maybe a bit intimidating) enough- but they will be doing it with a few new faces in the line-up and on the bench. Several of Les Bleus regular call-ups are sidelined with injuries (but all plan to be available this summer) so France will be taking this test without Benzema, Gignac, Gallas, Abidal, Diarra (Alou), Squillaci and Diaby. These absences have given several new players the opportunity to demonstrate their ability and desire to represent France this summer. Though it is frightening to play the best without our biggest “guns”- I think this may turn out to be the best thing that has ever happened to the team (if it doesn’t go horribly wrong). Hopefully it will be the kick in the ass the team needs to let everyone know that if they aren’t giving their best on the field then they are replaceable. For more on the new players who were called up- please see this post.

More importantly, this is the start of a new clean slate in a lot of ways. Obviously, there will still be some residual tension from the fans at this game about the team’s performance during qualification. The Parisian fans are not known for their restraint and enduring support when they feel that the team is not providing an exceptionally entertaining performance. And to be fair, a lot of times they were right. The losses, draws and narrow wins against easy teams such as Austria (lost 3-1), Romania (draws 2-2 and 1-1), Faroe Islands (won..but only 1-0) were not only disgraceful results but disappointing games to watch (very boring..). But, now that part is over- and Les Bleus can come into this game without the pressure of qualification and just see how they are able to perform against a team who is at their peak.

THE OPPOSITION: SPAIN

If France’s qualification for the World Cup was a long hard road then Spain’s was paved with gold. Since the qualification for Euro 2008, Spain has been producing breathtaking results while also producing positive results. In 44 games, they have only had three draws and a single loss- meaning they have won over 90% of their matches since 2007. To give you some perspective on the gap in efficiency between France and Spain- France is averaging just over 50% in the same time frame.

This gap is a relatively new phenomenon- when looking at their matches historically the two teams are pretty evenly matched. In the 29 games the two teams have played, Spain have won 12 and France have won 11. Until 2008, Spain had yet to demonstrate their ability to really perform well at big tournaments. France’s 1998 World Cup glory and 2000 European Championship dwarfed the Spanish achievements. In 2006, France’s game against Spain in the World Cup round of 16 was the first sign that France could still be the team and produce the type of football that won the World Cup and European Championship. Previous to that game, the situation really didn’t look all that different to the situation we are in now. The Spaniards breezed through their qualification group and scored a lot of goals- they were younger, faster and ambitious. France were a team that barely qualified for the elimination rounds and everyone doubted them.

Another (potentially) positive thing about Spain is their playing style and size. They play with a bunch of quick, short passes and the team is made up of a lot of short, slight players. This is not a team that will rough us up or kick us out of the game. If anything, this might be a game where we are the more physically dominant players (FINALLY!). Since we’ve played a bunch of physical Eastern European or Irish teams in most of our qualification we have largely been the recipient of most of the physical abuse. Let’s just say that ariel threats are the least of our concerns with this team (especially with Torres on the bench though Ramos is quite good at headers).

TEAM NEWS & STARTING XI

France: Based on the way Les Bleus have been practicing at Clairefontaine the past couple of days, we may see some new players in positions that aren’t open due to injury. Evra, Gourcuff and Anelka have been practicing with the “B” team and Ciani, Ribery and Cisse have been promoted to the starting 11 team. For more information and pictures on what the team has been up to at Clairefontaine (sponsorship photoshoots, walking around the park, footy tennis and more!) the past few days, check out my Twitter updates at OffsideSarah.

France Starting XI (4-4-2): Lloris; Sagna, Ciani, Escude, Cissokho; L. Diarra, Toulalan, Ribéry, Malouda; Henry, Cisse

Spain: Del Bosque has already named his starting XI and Torres and Fabregas are starting on the bench. Unlike France, Spain aren’t having many injury problems and many of their players are in good form at their clubs.

Spain Starting XI (4-5-1): Casillas; Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Arbeloa; Silva, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, Iniesta; Villa

PREDICTION

Do I expect the same renaissance to happen during this game that occurred in 2006? No, I’m idealistic but not in denial. This Spanish team is wiser and more confident than the 2006 Spanish team. They will also want to avenge themselves of that loss. And we don’t have the wisdom and magical players we had then (Zizou, Vieria, Makelele, Thuram.. I could go on and on). But, despite the difference in recent results, I think France are capable of beating this dominant Spain team and any other team in the World. And I think getting some new blood in the team is a positive step in finding the right formula of players to make this team effective, efficient and fun to watch. I actually don’t care if we win or lose. The most important thing is for Domenech to give as many players as possible a chance to play today to evaluate what they could bring to the table this summer. I’d much rather lose today and learn something that could help us win more later. I just hope the Parisian fans can restrain their need for short-term gratification..

Because of all the new players in the team, it is hard to make a prediction- but I’m going to be bold and predict a 2-1 win for France.

BONUS: This doesn’t have anything to do with France- but it is just too funny to not share. Check out Benzema getting some special treatment at Real Madrid- I can see why he is weary to leave!