Spain recorded a narrow victory, and go one point clear of France at the top of Group I.
Didier Deschamps used Patrice Evra rather than Gael Clichy at left-back, and the late withdrawal of Mamadou Sakho saw Laurent Koscielny start at centre-back. But the key change was higher up – from the side that defeated...
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Spain failed to win for the first time in 25 qualification matches.
Vicente del Bosque continued with Sergio Busquets at the back and Xabi Alonso as the sole holding player. David Silva started on the left, but went off injured after 13 minutes, replaced by Santi Cazorla.
Didier Deschamps started with a single striker, Karim Benzema,...
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Laurent Blanc named an extremely reactive team – but France neither stifled Spain’s threat down the left, nor played their own game effectively.
Vicente del Bosque had hinted he would make changes from the team that beat Croatia, though it was still a surprise to see Cesc Fabregas return to the side in a false...
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Spain have never beaten France in a competitive fixture – can they put that record straight tonight?
Spain approach
Spain are clearly the favourites here, and as the side less likely to change their shape or spring a tactical surprise, it makes sense to consider them first.
Vicente del Bosque hinted yesterday that he’d consider changing his...
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After a long rain delay, France took the initiative and went onto win the game comfortably.
Laurent Blanc made two changes. One was a straight swap, with Patrice Evra dropping out and Gael Clichy starting at left-back. Higher up, the introduction of Jeremy Menez at the expense of Florent Malouda meant Samir Nasri moved into...
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