It is indeed interesting match up both in terms of their performance into the last eight and eventful history of the two teams.
Prior to the last match of group stage, both Spain and France had the chance to be the group's winner. The difference was their purpose. There were people saying that Spain was likely to have an untruthful match because had the score been 2-2, Italy would have been out of the competition. Meanwhile, France was believed to try their best to grab their win to avoid Spain, the number one seed for the title.
The fact was just way different. Although under-performing, Spain still grabbed a late goal in the match against Croatia. They topped group C and helped Italy into the quarterfinal. They played fair and square.
On the other hand, the French performance over already eliminated Sweden was disappointing. They were stuck on their foot the first 45 minutes, then was punished early in second half by Ibrahimovic's spectacular volley. Swedes' second goal in injury time was only adding up to a "strange" performance by Laurent Blanc's men.
Indeed, it was strange, as France possesses far better players in comparison to Sweden's squad. No one can say for sure, but there's a possibility this was intentional and Blanc prefers Spain to Italy.
Arsene Wenger said that Del Bousque's team is not as strong as in EURO 2008 and World Cup 2010, and this is a good opportunity for France to beat Spain. It was not only motivation word. Many experts shared the same view with Wenger.
Spain's biggest problem is the lack of a true striker in front. Torres fired a double in Ireland match, but seemed non-threatening in front of disciplined defense by Italy and Croatia. Other options like Navs and Fabregas were not ideal either.
Secondly, their tiki tak is revolving around Iniesta, the most important link in Del Bosque's formation. When concentrating too much on one player, it isn't that effective.
Spain is depending too much on Iniesta?
Meanwhile, France has trouble at the back. Mexes' dismissal in quarterfinal after the yellow card in the last match means that Blanc has to use Koscielny and Rami in the center of France's defense. This duo does not receive confidence from the critics.
If there is something that France can be proud of, it would be their head to head record against La Roja. In the last 5 official EURO games, France had been Spain's nightmare as they had 4 wins and 1 draw. In World Cup 2006, France defeated Spain 3-1 in the last 16. All the statistic are on Les Bleus side.
Our prediction
We say it's a 50/50 chance for both team in this match and a draw in the 90 minutes official time is likely to be the outcome of this match. We predict a 1-1 in the official time and the penalty will decide which team advance.
Betting Tips
Let's take a look at 36BOL's betting offer for this match
Following our prediction it seems that the best bet would be France Asian Handicap(+) 0.5 at odds 1.149. We would also put some money down for Under 2.25 at odds 0.760 as well.
For more odds and markets, visit 36BOL Sports Betting.
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