28th March 2016 Kickoff: 2000hrs France v Spain Football – International – Friendly Match The pick of the friendly games in Europe on Tuesday is undoubtedly the glamour meeting between France and Spain in Paris. Both nations are on course to make it to the World Cup next summer, as you would expect, but such is the rich history and nature of the two, means that even though this is a only a friendly game, it will still be one to watch for the football purists.
France came so close to winning their own European Championships last summer and will probably still be wondering how they came undone against Portugal in the final. The French Football Federation chose to stick by Didier Deschamps in the hope that he can go one better should Les Bleus qualify for next summer’s World Cup. It looks for all money that the French will qualify having negotiated the first half of the qualifying with little drama. Still unbeaten with four wins from their five games, France are top of Group A and because the Netherlands have once again underperformed, the biggest challenge comes from Sweden and Bulgaria. With all due respect to both those nations it is difficult to see how they can trouble a French team packed full of quality in virtually all areas. Saturday’s win over Luxembourg was as routine as they come but the prospect of facing Spain in this encounter is likely to motivate players so used to playing in high profile games for club and country.
Spain were arguably the biggest disappointment in last year’s Euros as they failed to make it beyond the round of 16 when exiting to Italy. It was not only that game which caused concern for a nation who had won the previous two runnings – the performances in the group stage were also well below the level we had come to expect. The man who had overseen so much success of the Spanish national team – Vincent Del Bosque – duly resigned and was replaced with Julen Lopetegui. Lopetegui was a surprising choice for many as he had failed in his time at Porto but having coached the youth teams he is well aware of the philosophy and demands of Spain. They, too, are well on course for the finals and have an identical record to France after five qualifiers but unlike Tuesday’s opponents they will be pushed harder in the race for top spot as Italy breathe down their necks with the same number of points.
France v Spain Betting Tips
Whether it’s a World Cup quarter final, friendly game or a bounce match on the beach – France v Spain is one you do not want to miss. Whichever teams the two managers select will be full of ability and the contrast in styles should also mean there’s plenty of entertainment. We’re unlikely to get many clues or pointers in terms of next year’s World Cup but it will be a decent marker for the two – particularly France who have not been tested since they lost out to Portugal back in July.
The two last met in Paris back in September 2014 when a solitary goal from Loic Remy proved the difference. A similar, tightly contested game is likely with both squads closely match in terms of talent. Spain do not have a great recent record in friendly matches are likely to be up against a French team who have a phenomenal record – not least because non-competitive games were all they played in the build up to the Euros. It’s that home advantage which I feel will just hold sway in this one and make France a decent bet to et the victory.
France 6/4 @ Paddy Power
