HANOVER, Germany _ French players reacted angrily to whistles from the crowd during the French national anthem before Tuesday's second-round World Cup match against Spain.

After Spain's national anthem was played without incident, France's players _ including Lilian Thuram -looked on angrily as La Marseillaise was jeered.

"It's shameful to whistle during La Marseillaise," forward Thierry Henry said. "I have rarely heard people whistling a national anthem at a football match."

Thuram, one of the most vocal singers on the French team during the anthem, turned his head toward the section of Spanish fans whistling and appeared to mutter angrily.

Eric Abidal said the whistles and boos helped to motivate the French players.

"This gave us even more desire," Abidal said. "The victory was deserved."

"As I said all along," Abidal added. "Spain is a good team ... but they don't have Zinedine Zidane."

Zidane score France's third goal in a 3-1 win. France next plays Brazil on Saturday.