PARIS: After assembling handsome victories in Friday’s matches, Europe’s leading nations are likely to have their work cut out when the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign continues today.
The Group I clash between Spain and France in Madrid is the headline clash, while the matches between Italy and Denmark, Germany and Sweden, and England and Poland could all have surprises in store.
The meeting in the Spanish capital is a repeat of the Euro 2012 quarter-final in Ukraine, which saw Spain progress 2-0 en route to victory in the final over Italy.
The two sides go into the match level on six points but their preparations have been contrasting; while Spain were ambling to a 4-0 victory in Belarus on Friday, France were losing 1-0 to Japan in a friendly match at Stade de France.
Les Bleus largely bossed proceedings against the Japanese before falling to a late goal, and Didier Deschamps has called for more sang-froid in front of goal against the reigning world and European champions.
“When you don’t score, there’s always a possibility for your opponents,” said the France coach.
“We let ourselves get punished (against Japan). But there will be a totally different balance of power on Tuesday.” — AFP