France needs something special against Spain

Furious French coach Laurent Blanc said his players would have to produce something out of the ordinary if they are to beat defending champion Spain in Saturday's Euro 2012 quarterfinal.

The 46-year-old - who took over from Raymond Domenech after the 2010 World Cup finals debacle - had at least guided the French to a place in the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time in six years, but only just.

Any mood of celebration was tempered by the manner in which France got there as it was outclassed in a 2-0 defeat by Sweden, which was already out of contention for a place in the last eight.

It brought to an end the 23-match unbeaten run and also was Sweden's first win over its opponent in nearly 43 years, dating back 11 matches to October 1969.

Blanc, who had made two changes to the side that beat Ukraine 2-0 in the previous game, said there had been only one side that turned up fired up for the game and hinted strongly that changes would be made for the Spain game.

"Sweden played this match with its heart. Physically, they were better prepared and they had a player in the team who made the difference, which makes a hell of a difference," he said.

"We are really disappointed by this result, but we were in trouble throughout the match. When you lose a match, it is because you have not got the right team out there.

"Therefore, if I were to start it all over, we would not start with the same team."

Where those changes will come was hard to ascertain as he held to account almost every sector of the team.

"I don't think the attack was the area where we really suffered the most," he said. "We really struggled in defense and midfield, where the Swedes were really strong."

Blanc, a member of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning sides though he missed the World Cup final because he was suspended, said he had to maintain an upbeat tone ahead of the clash with Spain.

"One always has to be optimistic. Of course we are disappointed but the main thing is that we qualified," he said.

"Even if the Swedes produced a superb performance, it is they who are going home. Therefore we must remain optimistic."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 06/21/2012 page24)