Euro 2000 quarter final - France v Spain Preview

World champions France have been in great form so far at the Euro finals but now they meet a Spain team who rescued themselves in a thrilling 4-3 to reach this stage.

Spain were seconds from elimination when they scored the two injury time goals to beat Yugoslavia and oust Norway from the quarter finals.

The exhaustion of that game and the nervy survival of Jose Camacho's team could give them the confidence to beat the French who have a great record in past meetings against Spain.

Spain really need to make a significant improvement on their form so far to stand any chance against he strongest team in the tournament. The luck that saw them beat ten Yugoslavs is likely to be absent as they face the world's top team at present.

Raul needs to start proving his ability to win matches for Spain at the highest level and he is in direct competition today with his rebellious Real Madrid team mate Nicolas Anelka who is set to start for France. Raul has only shown glimpses so far of his best form at Euro 2000 and has struggled to find space. The hard running midfield styles of Mendieta and Alfonso have proved more eye catching so far with Josep Guardiola guiding play. Spain have an injury worry over captain Fernando Hierro but according to the Spain camp last night he is likely to be risked for at least part of the Bruges match.

Finding a convincing partner for Raul in attack has not proved easy with Camacho leaving the classy Real star Fernando Morientes out of his squad in favour of Munitis the winger and target man Urzaiz.

These problems in attack have been compounded by some weak defending with Salgado and Abelardo struggling to repeat their best club form.

Spain will need luck to get past France that saw its second team lose 3-2 to Holland in Amsterdam on Wednesday night. The result meant the Dutch went through to face Yugoslavia while France face Spain and Emmanuel Petit is their major injury doubt as they prepare for the game.

His loss would weaken midfield but the experience in Roger Lemerre's squad is exceptional and the French game plan of balls over the top to look for the runs of Henry and Anelka will not vary.

There is a real danger that the French attack can get in behind Spain and cause real damage. The runs of Anelka and particularly the in form Henry are the best chance France have to score and it is hard to see how Spain could keep them out for an entire match especially with Zinedine Zidane detailed to give them chances with his great passing and vision..

The French defence with Thuram, Desailly and Blanc all in good form and Lizarazu set to win his place back from Candela make France completely formidable and Real Madrid rivalry of the two strike forces should see the temperamental Anelka come out on top.

Half Time score - 0-0

Full Time score - France 3 Spain 1

First scorer - Thierry Henry

Number of corners - 12