The third quarter-final of EURO 2012 is edging ever closer, with reigning champions Spain set to face France at 7.45pm this evening. Vicente Del Bosque’s side arrive in strong form, having chalked up back-to-back wins to finish top of Group C, while Les Bleus are looking to recover from a 2-0 loss to Sweden that saw them end Group D in second place behind Roy Hodgson’s England. As always, we’ve opened up the Dugout Discussion ahead of kick-off:
The team news is now in and is as follows:
Del Bosque makes just one alteration to the side that saw off Croatia in the previous match. Opting to go down the “false nine” route once again, the Spain boss employs Cesc Fabregas in the centre of his attacking three, meaning Fernando Torres drops to the bench.
For France, Laurent Blanc makes four changes after the disappointing loss to the Swedes. Anthony Reveillere comes in at right-back; it’s unclear as to how this affects Mathieu Debuchy’s role, though a move to the flank to combat the threat of Andres Iniesta looks a definite possibility. Laurent Koscielny replaces the suspended Philippe Mexes in the heart of defence, Yohan Cabaye comes back after recovering from a thigh injury, while Florent Malouda is handed his first start since the 1-1 draw with England. Samir Nasri, Alou Diarra and Hatem Ben Arfa all drop out, with the formation likely to be 4-3-3.
Spain XI: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Alonso, Xavi; Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta
France XI: Lloris; Reveillere, Rami, Koscielny, Clichy; Cabaye, M’Vila, Malouda; Debuchy, Benzema, Ribery
