Tuesday 28th March - France 0-2 Spain

[Stan 9,081]

Kick-off 8pm

Live on ITV4

[SirBalon 2,607]

That first half was an absolute footballing lesson. How Spain didn't score is beyond me but I know for sure that in Spain right at this moment will be buoyant about the actuall football. These guys have been on the up for various games now and that first period was incredible considering it's at their place.

Absolutely embarrassing from their part how they've been totally dominated in midfield. Lucky Pogba wasn't there otherwise it would be a symphony. 

[Stan 9,081]

Penalty Spain. Instant impact from Deulofeu, drawing a foul from Koscielny. 

[SirBalon 2,607]

Wasn't a penalty for me. But on the play thoroughly deserved where the lead is in question. 

[Stan 9,081]

what an impact Deulofeu is having. Scores the 2nd goal for Spain now.

Busquets was brilliant. Breaks up play, 360 in the middle to take 3 French players out the game and leads to the goal. Excellent play all round.

[Guest Cannabis]

Just now, Romesh said:

what an impact Deulofeu is having. Scores the 2nd goal for Spain now.

Hope he comes home this summer.

[Stan 9,081]

And good use of video technology there. Only took 30 seconds to confirm. Lino gave it offside. Referee referred it to video official and decision was reversed. If it sorts out goals like that in friendlies (best time to test it), it'll surely have a beneficial impact in the more important and crucial games. 

[Asura 305]

Good that they are using video tech, two good decisions which changed the game

[Stan 9,081]

France's #13 has been terribe. given the ball away far too many times. how the hell did he get a national call-up?

[SirBalon 2,607]

Walk in the park. Pity Spain haven't got a David Villa or Raúl up front these days. Would've been a royal scoreline. 

[Mel81x 1,921]

Spain should have got more there but considering they pretty much bossed the midfield for most of the game its no surprise what the result was. France were very good on the counter but lack of possession really leads to fewer chances in front of goal. 

Mbappe looked good in the few chances he did get on the ball but sadly not having enough service also puts him in a tough position to deliver. The cross from Griezmann to Gameiro was excellent in the first half. Perfect timing and presence of mind.

[SirBalon 2,607]

14 hours ago, Mel81x said:

Spain should have got more there but considering they pretty much bossed the midfield for most of the game

Spain's midfield is absolutely incredible to be honest.  Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Isco and Koke in the first half to be replaced by Thiago Alcántara, Ander Herrera and David Silva.  There are also some young midfielders that were called up to the U-21s which couldn't participate yesterday and Santi Cazorla is injured with Cesc Fàbregas, Javi Martínez or Juan Mata not even being called up.

Edited March 29, 2017 by SirBalon

[Cicero 3,554]

Just watched the game. I agree, Spain were a joy to watch again. So much movement within the midfield and Isco literally controlled the game. Thought France could of done a lot better but its a friendly nonetheless so shouldn't be seen as nothing more.