DONETSK, Ukraine — Spain is looking for a little history and a little revenge today in its European Championship quarterfinal against France.
Spain has never beaten the French in six major competitions, the most recent loss coming at the 2006 World Cup. Spain hasn’t been eliminated from a major tournament since, and defender Sergio Ramos doesn’t want another French victory to end his team’s bid for a third straight major title.
“Football offers up something nice, which is you always get a chance at revenge, and [today] we get that chance,” said Ramos, who played in that 3-1 second-round loss to Les Bleus in Hannover, Germany.
Since that result, Spain has gone on to hone the quick-touch, possession game that led to triumphs at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. Between those title wins, the French claimed the fifth of its six wins over Spain.
“There are facts that can’t be denied, and we will strive to change that,” Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said. “We’re favorites since we’re world and European champions, but in the prior matchups France has been superior to us. Let’s see if we are capable of changing that precedent by extending the success we’ve achieved.”
Del Bosque said he had doubts about his lineup after the unconvincing 1-0 victory over Croatia, which helped Spain finish first in its group.
Spain’s attack has been led by striker Fernando Torres or midfielder Cesc Fabregas, and there was no further clarity over which way Del Bosque would lean in the team’s first match in Ukraine. Striker Fernando Llorente, who impressed this season with Athletic Bilbao, remains unused at Euro 2012.
Spain was not letting news of France’s locker-room outburst following the loss to Sweden soften the team’s approach.
“In every household of every family, there are arguments,” Ramos said, “and that doesn’t necessarily mean the unit is affected.”
The Spanish are the masters of keeping possession, but the French have the likes of Samir Nasri, Franck Ribery and Yohan Cabaye. They are comfortable on the ball, making the match potentially one for the purists.
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Spain, Sergio Ramos, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, DONETSK, Ukraine, Fernando Llorente, European Championship quarterfinal, Fernando Torres, Del Bosque, 2006 World Cup online, French victory, Cesc Fabregas, France
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