Spain - France

SPAIN TO BE VICTORIOUS IN A TOUGH ENCOUNTER

Spain entertain France tonight and while alot of people expecting a good game I am slightly more reserved and pessimistic.

Spain have a full squad available to choose from and Del Bosque has earmarked that he might make one change to the starting line up with Fabregas replacing Torres as they are looking for him to drop in midfield and help the team keep possession rather that having a directness from Torres. France have Mexes suspended which could be a blessing as I found him quite poor and Koscielny who has a good season at Arsenal is more on form.

Both of their teams will continue with the same shape in formation to what they have shown in this tournament but both midfields possess different styles. Iniesta my man of the tournament so far is on fire, Xavi apparently just broken the passing records match after match and Alonso ability to switch play with his long range passing as well as short ones. Silva who is having a hit and miss in this tournament seem wasted on attacking the right hand side. Busquets is the holding midfielder who breaks up play. If Fabregas plays up front he will drop deeper when team has lost possession and help defend. Spain has vast amount of talent in middle of the park and with it being overcrowded it's hard to see how strong their defence is.

France will probably play three centre defensive minded midfielders who are combative and hard working to try and steal the ball. They will have Cabaye, Diarra and M'Vila.

This is a true tough test for Diarra who is in the anchoring role since Spain have so many attacking options he will to try and not stray from his position and should not be instructed to man mark any individual as Spain play through the middle.

As I have said teams find it hard to break past their midfield to test the Spanish back line but saw a slight weakness in their right back slot in the shape of Arbeloa. He holds up the ball too much and seem to take one touch too many and this is where Ribery can exploit. I am sure Ribery will be handful and will test their defence individually. Jeremy Menez for me personally tonight I think he will be pushed back to assist right back Debuchy as Alba the Spaniard left attack bombs forward at every opportunity.

I have been disappointed with Benzema has he his having a poor tournament and has only unleashed shots from distance down the keepers throat. I can't take too much away from him as he had not got the correct service yet but he will need to find a way to get amongst the centre defenders and cause them problems.

The reason I'm pessimistic about this match is due to the fact both teams have not clicked into gear yet and while Spain have all the possession in the world they are not doing enough in the final third whereas France are just combative in midfield and seems no real creativity from them to pose a threat.

I will go for a low Spain win and in order for France to try and attack them they need to get Ribery taking on Arbeloa and get the ball in for Benzema.

Spain will dominate possession so will got for a Spain win but only by a goal to nil.

1

Supporters

1. Leetoptips

Posted on: 23.06.2012, 13.04 CET (Viewed: 244 times)
Match starts on: June 23, 2012

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