EURO 2012 BETTING PICK - SPAIN V FRANCE

Euro 2012

2012-06-23 - Spain vs France

A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser

Match Preview :

Spain takes on France in their defence of their Euro 2012 title in what is going to be a fiery quarter-final clash. Vicente del Bosque's side have not tasted defeat in a competitive match since being the shock defeat by Switzerland in the group stages on their way to winning the 2010 World Cup. On the other hand, Laurent Blanc's Les Bleus have lost just once, against Sweden in their last match of Euro 2012's group stages, in 24 games they have played.

No doubt this match will be a tight match in Donetsk and the winner will face Portugal in the semi-finals.It is no suprise that both France, 1998 world champions and 2000 kings of Europe, and Spain are two of the highest praised nations over the past 14 years of international football. And Spain will not forget the defeat suffered by France in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup when Zinedine Zidane inspired the French side to a win over them.

Spain manager Del Bosque maintains it would be 'bad' if he did not have any doubts over just what side to pick to face France. With the strength in the side, there will always be a dabate on over who to start. The world champions were hardly convincing when they beat Croatia 1-0 to win Group C with seven points from their three games after opening their Euro with a draw against Italy.

Del Bosque did against Croatia plyed witout any strikers after taking out Fernando Torres 30 minutes towards the end has once again stated that no fixed decision had been made on who will start against France tonight.

Blanc, on the other hand had to dismiss the bust up which had taken place in the dressing room after their defeat to Sweden in their last match. The manager has admitted strong words were exchanged between members of the squad in the wake of the defeat by Sweden, which cost them top spot in Group D behind England and consequently meant they had to face Spain. Nevertheless Blanc was quick to point out that there is no conflict in the side amid rumours of similarities to the mass row which led to predecessor Raymond Domenech and France after the 2010 World Cup humiliation.

As for the team news, Spain, who lost Carles Puyol and David Villa before Euro 2012 to injury, have no new injuries concerns. But the likes of Alvaro Arbeloa, Jordi Alba, Torres, Xabi Alonso - who will win his 100th cap if he plays - and Javi Martinez are all a booking away from a suspension and wil miss the semi-finals if they get a booking. meanwhile, France pair Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery sat out Wednesday's training session due to minor injuries. Yohan Cabaye looks set to return after the Newcastle star missed the Sweden defeat with a thigh problem.

Predictions :

Take Spain to win and give the 3/4 ball here.

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Take Spain to win this match.