With Spain and France set to go head-to-head, we can expect an absorbing contest between the two power-houses, although it is the final score that will eventually make the difference, several key on-field battles will help determine what the outlook is at full-time.
Here, we look at some key encounters that can be expected to dictate the game over the course of 90 minutes.
Nacho Monreal vs Mathieu Debuchy
The contest between the left-back of Spain and the right-back of France is likely to keep one end of the stadium highly entertained. New Arsenal recruit Nacho Monreal is expected to start, after Barcelona full back Jordi Alba picked up a thigh injury.
We can expect the flamboyant Monreal to neutralize Debuchy’s attacking instincts, mostly keeping him on the defensive near the touchline. However, if Monreal tends to be a bit too adventurous, the Frenchman can be expected to launch a counter-attack and send in a crucial cross that can be the turning point of the match.
Sergio Ramos vs Karim Benzema
The two Real Madrid team-mates will be well aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Neither of the two needs any sort of introduction, what they do need is a bit of luck and support from their team-mates; Benzema needing his French midfield and Ramos relying on his Spanish partners at the back.
Benzema has been a bit off colour for Les Bleus lately and his place in the starting line-up is under jeopardy, the former Lyon man will thus try his best to cause a lot of problems for his Real Madrid teammate.
Cesc Fabregas vs Laurent Koscielny
The former Arsenal skipper will be looking to outclass the gritty defender who currently plays for the Gunners. While Fabregas’ creativity can be assumed to be far greater than Koscileny’s, the Frenchman’s steely determination and will to succeed can prove to be thorn for most attacking players in the world.
While Fabregas will be looking to play that killer pass that will seal the game, Koscielny will not mind throwing his body in the line of whatever is launched towards the goal.
Andres Iniesta vs Blaise Matuidi
France will be expected to field the highly consistent Blaise Matuidi in the starting line-up, who has been a revelation for his club PSG this season and will be aiming to do the same for France. He will be against the charismatic Andre Iniesta.
Iniesta is a player of immense quality, his trickery, his quick feet and his passing abilities can be a horror for any opposition in the world.
However, in Matuidi he will face a solid midfield opponent who will look to neutralize every move that he will look to create. Considering how the unparalleled class of Andres Iniesta can act as a catalyst for a major Spanish victory, Matuidi’s role in front of the back four will be ever so important.
Alvaro Arbeloa vs Franck Ribery
The former Liverpool and current Real Madrid full back Arbeloa has faced the most threatening of wingers throughout his career. He has a potent attack vs defense balance in his armoury that makes him a very useful member to have in the team.
Ribery on the other hand has built his own reputation of speed and precision, with his team heavily relying on him to deliver the goods. Ribery enjoys possession, which means that the work-rate of Arbeloa will need to be at its top-most level. He will have to stay alert at the Frenchman’s swift feet movement and trickery, although the Spanish defender can be expected to be well-equipped to deal with such threats.
In all, a Spain vs France match is guaranteed to be treat for football fans from all over the world. If the encounter lives up to its hype, we can expect a true roller coaster ride of football.
