So far, neither France or Spain has done anything to dispel anyone's pre-game predictions about their Euro 2012 quarterfinal. France have set up more defensively than in previous games, and it hasn't worked that well. France aren't playing terribly and their defending has been decent, but Spain were able to find one goal. They lead 1-0 at halftime, and they're probably going to sit on that lead.
Spain Vs. France, Euro 2012 Quarterfinals: La Roja Sticking To The Script, Up 1-0
Spain's goal came from a spectacular run down the left flank and cross by Jordi Alba, who France had no answer for. He blew by both of the right backs that France is playing and swung a cross towards the back post. Xabi Alonso was sitting deep and was being "tracked" by Florent Malouda, but Malouda stood still and simply let Alonso run into the box uncontested. He got onto the end of Alba's cross and headed it down towards the back post for the opening goal.
France look like they’re capable of keeping Spain from scoring again and like they’re capable of scoring on the counter, but it certainly doesn’t look likely. Laurent Blanc has to figure out a way to keep Spain from keeping the ball for the next 45 minutes, which is much more difficult than it sounds.
We’ll have live coverage of the game in our Spain vs. France, Euro 2012 Quarterfinals StoryStream. For more on Euro 2012 and the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter.
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