What an intriguing Saturday night showdown at the Euros, eh? Arguably the most beautiful of the four quarter-finals brings together two European powerhouses. Spain, now just three wins away from becoming the first European side ever to win three straight international competitions, meet a French side who until earlier this week were on a 23 match unbeaten run. It all adds up to a fascinating affair.
The bookmakers are in no doubt who they see winning this game and that’s the defending champions. Despite critics labelling their group stage endeauvors as workmanlike they should kick-off this match as general odds-on shots with the bookmakers. Is that right? Well those quotes seem more to do with the negativity surrounding France rather than the good vibes from Spain. Laurent Blanc’s side’s 23 match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end on Tuesday night when they lost to 2-0 to already-eliminated Sweden. Since then discontent in the camp has reared it’s head with Samir Nasri at the centre of bust-up rumours.
Wind the clock back five days ago though and all was well for the French after their fine win over Ukraine. They were as short as 6/1 to win the competition and third in the betting. They now find themselves more than double the odds and outsiders in the betting. An over-reaction? We think so.
There’s no doubt that Spain are the better team but we’re not here to tip up the best teams, we’re here to tip up the best betting opportunities and with France at over 4/1 in the betting they have to be the pick. It really is worth stating that Spain have never beaten France in a competitive international. From six competitive games they have just a solitary draw to show for their efforts. The 2006 World Cup has parallels with this fixture. These sides met in the second round with Spain arriving with three wins out of three from the group stages while the French had laboured to draws against Switzerland and South Korea. The French were written off, but inspired by Zinedine Zidane they felled the Spanish 3-1. Can history repeat itself tonight?
Back France To Qualify at 9/4 with Bet 365.
Key Stats
- Spain have never beaten France in a competitive international
- France beat Spain in the 2006 World Cup knockout stages after struggling in the group stage
- Spain have never won a European Championship Quarter-Final in regulation time
