Defending champions Spain take on the challenge of Les Bleus at the Donbass Arena to continue their title defence in the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Poland-c2983 and Ukraine hosted footballing extravaganza.
Spain started the Euro 2012 with high aspirations but were held to a 1-1 draw by Cesare Prandelli’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 in their Group C opening fixture at the PGE Arena in the Polish city of Gdansk.
Their following match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Republic-of-Ireland-c2987 saw them give a glimpse of their magnanimous footballing philosophy as they dismantled the Irish in a 4-0 drubbing.
However, it was a false call as the Spanish contingent fought their way against a resilient Croatian outfit. Had the Balkan nation’s attackers taken their chances earlier in the final group match, Vicente Del Bosque’s charges would have been on an earlier flight to Madrid.
While the World and European champions have flattered to deceive in the current edition so far, their quarter-final rivals have done little to impress themselves.
Laurent Blanc’s men came into the competition with a 21 match unbeaten run to boast off but have slugged their way out of their group. With an unimpressive England topping the group at their expense, there are visible clinks in the armour of the Euro 2000 winners.
France were held to a 1-1 draw against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sweden-c3015.
With both teams failing to play at their top gear, the quarter-final encounter of the European giants has is evenly poised for the neutrals.
Spain will need to tackle their attacker’s dilemma as they meet their biggest test in the European championship. While Cesc Fabregas boasts off his two goals in the competition, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707’ sensational performance against the Irish cannot be overlooked in the crunch encounter.
Vicente Del Bosque revealed that he has shared his plans with his squad; it looks likely that they will go with the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Llorente-c13671 can also start, but such suggestions look to be meagre rumours.
On the other hand, in order to tackle Spain’s possession hogging trait, Laurent Blanc has been advised to go with three central midfielders rather than two in the centre of the park. Congestion in midfield is likely to help the French as it would help them nerve the Iberian outfit.
With due respect to the likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Silva-c10601 and Xavi Hernandez, it is on the small shoulders of Andres Iniesta that Spain’s hopes of progression to the semi-finals hinge upon. La Masia academy graduate has been the standout performer in the ongoing competition and was the deciding factor in their games.
As http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Karim-Benzema-c20350 is not distracted by the ongoing dressing room problems and manages to have his best match for France in Donetsk.
With the stakes reaching their maximum height, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/South-Africa-c757. Les Bleus need to put up a stern fight against the Spanish outfit to return to footballing glory that they last enjoyed in 2006 FIFA World Cup.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Carles-Puyol-c8331. The world’s best team stands at the brink of securing an unprecedented third successive international title but will have to pass the French test to solidify their claims.
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