France welcomed Spain in their World Cup qualification clash on Tuesday knowing that victory would move them five points clear at the top of Group I.
Spain utterly dominated possession in the first period, but neither team could open the scoring despite a host of clear chances.
It was the away side that opened the scoring just before the hour mark when Pedro bundled over the line despite the best efforts of Hugo Lloris.
France pushed for the equaliser late on, but their task was made harder when Paul Pogba received his marching orders for two bookable offences.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Despite being the holders of the competition, Spain must earn the right to compete in the 2014 World Cup, but they are up against a resurgent France side this evening, who have a host of exciting youngsters in their ranks. Tonight will be a true test of the credentials of both teams ahead of next year’s tournament.
France are currently on a 13-match unbeaten run in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers, winning nine times in the process. However, as mentioned, they have won just one of their last six matches against Spain. It would be fair to state that it has been a transitional few years for the national team, but they have started to show some impressive form.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Olivier Giroud drops out of the France team this evening, but Patrice Evra and Yohan Cabaye return after missing the win over Georgia. Franck Ribery also returns to the side in attack alongside Karim Benzema. Spain, meanwhile, are without the suspended duo Jordi Alba and David Silva, but Xavi and Xabi Alonso both start.
TEAMS:
FRANCE: Lloris; Jallet, Varane, Koscielny, Evra; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi; Valbuena, Benzema, Ribery
SPAIN: Valdes; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Monreal; Busquets, Alonso, Xavi; Pedro, Villa, Iniesta
The reverse match in this group ended in a 1-1 draw last October, while the last competitive game between the two sides ended in a 2-0 win for Spain on their way to claiming the European Championship crown in 2012. You have to go back to 2006 for the last time that France recorded victory, in the shape of 3-1 success in the World Cup. Oh how times have changed since then.
France enter the match off the back of a 3-1 win over Georgia, with the likes of Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba handed starts. Their forward pair of Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema also impressed, while their options on the bench were a stark reminder of the talent that they have at their disposal. A team with the quality of those individuals should be challenging for major honours.
Since Didier Deschamps took charge following Euro 2012, France’s friendly results have been inconsistent with defeats against Japan and Germany, but their competitive form has been impressive with three wins and a draw from their four Group I matches thus far. As mentioned, three points this evening would extend their lead at the top of the group to five points.
Spain, meanwhile, could only draw 1-1 in their clash with Finland on Friday. It was just about as one-sided as you could possibly imagine, but their inability to create clear chances would have been a real concern for Del Bosque. Once more they played without a recognised striker, with David Villa asked to operate from a wider position, but it appears that the Barcelona forward will play through the middle this evening.
Despite that disappointment, Spain are currently on a 18-match unbeaten run in competitive matches, although they did suffer a 1-0 defeat to England in a friendly clash in November 2011. The Iberian outfit have also won their last four matches on the road, including thumping wins over Belarus and Panama.
Del Bosque also broke another record on Friday as he overtook Ladislao Kubala for overseeing the most number of games as Spain boss. The 62-year-old has taken charge of 69 international matches, winning 57. Despite that blip against Finland, the current European and world champions are still very much the team to beat.
Right, let’s take a quick look at how both sides have fared in the competition thus far. France opened their group campaign with a 1-0 win in Finland before picking up a 3-1 success over Belarus in Paris. They travelled to Madrid in the clash with Spain in October, with the two sides sharing the points in a 1-1 draw.
They then recorded a 3-1 win over Georgia on Friday to leave themselves top of the section with 10 points. They have scored eight goals in their four matches, conceding just three times, which places their goal difference at plus eight, the same as Spain. The importance of this match this evening cannot be underestimated.
Spain, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 1-0 win in Georgia, before thrashing Belarus 4-0 in Minsk last October. However, their winning run was ended when France held Del Bosque’s side to a 1-1 draw on October 16. They followed that match up with their second successive draw against Finland on Friday.
Looking ahead, following this match France are next in action in September when they travel to Georgia before facing a trip to Belarus four days later. They end their campaign with a home match against Finland, by which point they would have hoped to have secured automatic qualification from the section.
Spain face a trip to Finland at the beginning of September. Their last two matches are both at home as they welcome Belarus and then Georgia. Should they finish second in the group, they would still be considered favourites to advance through the playoffs. In truth, it would be one of the biggest shocks of all time if they didn’t make it to Brazil.
Here’s a quick word from Deschamps prior to the match. He told reporters at a press conference: “We'll have to use the ball well when in possession and force them to defend. Then we will be in a scenario more or less similar to that of the first match in Madrid. It's useless to struggle with this team for possession of the ball, but when we have it, we want to make the best of it."
Meanwhile, Del Bosque has urged his players to remain calm ahead of what could be a decisive match. He told reporters at a press conference: “We are not anxious at all. It is logical to reflect after what has happened in our last two games. Despite dominating completely we couldn't score more than once, so it is understandable that people will have doubts. But we must not get nervous, we must stay calm, open up the pitch and use the width. We do need to find solutions but this will be a much more open game."
Just a reminder that only the teams that finish top of their respective groups are guaranteed of making the finals in Brazil, with the eight best runners-up from nine groups going into tense two-legged playoffs. I suspect that if you offered France a draw at this point, they would take it, but this is a match that the defending champions really need to win.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Paris. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. It is a match that Spain really cannot afford to lose, and I don't think they will. That said, it is difficult to see France losing on their own turf this evening. For me, it is a score draw. Let's see whether I am correct.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news. Franck Ribery returns to the French side alongside Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena, while Spain recall Xavi and Xabi Alonso to their midfield.
Just a reminder that France currently top Group I, two points ahead of Spain, who could only draw with Finland on Friday. We will have a better indication of the group following this match in Paris. As World Cup qualifiers go, it is just about as big as they come. The home side get the action underway.
Positive start from France as Jallet collects a pass from Pogba before finding Valbuena in the penalty area, the winger tries the spectacular as he allows an effort to drop over his head before striking towards goal, but it was always moving over the crossbar. Spain launch an attack of their own moments later, but Pogba is across to make the challenge.
Again it is good work from the home side as Benzema dances past two challenges before driving into the box, but Xabi Alonso is across to make the challenge. Another long-range effort comes from Matuidi moments later, but once more it is over the crossbar. Not too much from Spain in the final third in the opening four minutes of the match.
Benzema is once more involved as the Real Madrid striker collects a pass from Evra before driving a cross into the box, but Pique is back to make the challenge at the final moment. Alonso finds Villa down the other end, but Varane is across to clear the danger. Hardly time to take a breath inside the opening six minutes as both teams continue to force the issue.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side to take the lead as Monreal finds Xavi in the penalty area, but somehow the Spain skipper fires his effort over the crossbar from close range. That is a real let-off for France. What a pulsating opening to this match as France attack down the other end with Ribery.
Spain have just started to take control of the possession in the last few minutes with the likes of Iniesta and Alonso putting their foot on the ball, but their midfield has thus far been unable to find Villa in the final third. France look more potent as they continue to attack down each wing, but Spain have had the best chance of the match to date.
Not too much in terms of chances to report in the last few minutes, with Spain taking control of the ball. Iniesta attempts to force the issue as he drives to the edge of the penalty area before combining with Villa, but Varane steps across to make the clearance. Arbeloa is the architect moments later, but his cross is headed clear by Evra.
It's all very measured from Spain at the moment as they continue to dominate the possession, but you cannot say that they are really worrying France with the majority of their football being played outside the penalty area. It will be a test of concentration for the home side, while they have the players to hurt Spain on the counter attack.
CHANCE! France's best chance of the match by some distance as Jallet bursts down the right before finding Benzema on the edge of the box, but the Real Madrid forward can only fire his effort over the crossbar. That is the chance they have been waiting for. Stunning opening 16 minutes to this World Cup qualifier.
There are a sea of blue shirts outside the French penalty area at the moment as the home side continue to close off the danger. Eventually Xavi takes matters into his own hands by striking from distance, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Another shooting chance, but from distance rather than a real opportunity.
A stunning pass from Alonso presents Villa with a shooting chance on the France goal, but the linesman raises the flag at the final moment, much to the frustration of the Barcelona striker, who is Spain's all-time leading scorer. Not too much from France in the last couple of moments, with the likes of Pogba and Cabaye sloppy in possession.
The danger is once more on the counter for the French as Benzema combines with Ribery before driving into the Spain penalty area, but his touch was just too heavy, with Pique across to clear the danger. The Real Madrid striker wants a corner, but the referee points for a goal kick. Still no goals in Paris with 22 minutes on the clock.
It just isn't quite happening in the final third for either side at the moment with each attack breaking down at the vital moment. Spain once more force the issue as iniesta finds Busquets outside the box, he in turn finds Pedro, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. France continue to threaten on the counter, but the final pass has been lacking thus far.
Slightly untidy last couple of moments to the match with the tempo interrupted by a series of offside decisions. Spain continue to enjoy the majority of the ball, but you cannot say that they have really worried France thus far. It is the type of match that could be won by the single goal. The fans are playing their part for France with 26 minutes on the clock.
The tempo has just become slightly stale after the fast-paced opening. Once more Ribery is the threat for the home side as he whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but it moves straight along the edge of the box. Valbuena tries a similar cross from the opposing side, but Valdes is out to collect at the vital moment.
Del Bosque is out of his seat for the first time this evening as he waves his arms around, Alonso seemed to understand his instructions as he immediately has a word with Xavi, who nods in acknowledgement. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, Spain have possession, but France are comfortable in dealing with the danger.
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CHANCE! Controversy here as Pedro is felled in the penalty area by Lloris, but the referee shakes his head. Good grief that is an absolute stone wall penalty. A wonderful pass from Iniesta had set the winger away, but for some reason the official does not award the spot kick.
The match has just gone up one notch in the last few moments following that penalty claim for Spain. The challenges have just started to fly in, but the referee has not yet reached for his pocket. Not too much to report in terms of France pressure in the last 10 minutes or so, but they always have that threat on the counter attack.
Half-chance for Spain as Villa evades the challenge of Evra before driving into the penalty area, but his effort is just wide of the post at the vital moment. Bit of a horror show from the Manchester United left-back there. Ribery attempts to break moments later, but Ramos is across to quell the danger.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining, but we still await the first goal of the evening. Jallet is once more involved from right-back, but his cross into the penalty area is cleared. Ribery dances his way into the opposing box moments later, but once more Ramos clears. Two well-matched teams on display this evening.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side to take the lead as Ribery evades the Spanish defence before advancing into the penalty area, but his final touch is just too long, with Valdes out to make the save. What an opportunity for the Bayern Munich winger in the latter stages of the first period.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Spain just taking control of the possession. Both sides have had good chances in the first period, but France will feel that they should be ahead at this stage of the match. Xavi fires a free kick into the France box moments later, but Varane is on hand to clear the danger.
Scrappy end to the first period with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. The crowd continue to make their voices known, however, as they start to disperse for refreshments. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of added time at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: France 0-0 Spain
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Both have had chances to open the scoring, while Spain will feel as if they should have been awarded a penalty when Pedro was seemingly felled in the box by the diving Lloris.
STATISTICS: Spain have utterly dominated possession with 79%, but they have managed just four attempts to France's five. Both sides have hit the target just once, however, in a tight opening half of football. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
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BENCH WATCH: France have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Giroud, Jeremy Menez, Moussa Sissoko and Loic Remy to name but a few. Meanwhile, Spain have the likes of Alvaro Negredo, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas and Isco in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list.
Let's take a quick look at the other standout results thus far this evening. England currently lead 1-0 in Montenegro courtesy of a header from Wayne Rooney, while Serbia lead Scotland 1-0. There is good news from the home nations, however, with Wales and the Republic of Ireland both leading.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital this evening. Spain get the second period underway.
Spain take control of the possession in the early stages of the second period with the likes of Busquets, Alonso and Xavi taking hold of the ball. The latter attempts to force the ball towards Villa, but once more Varane is out to clear. It just hasn't quite happened for the Barcelona striker thus far. Now I have said that he will probably score a hat-trick.
A sloppy pass from Busquets allows France to counter as Valbuena finds Jallet on the right, who whips a low cross into the penalty area, but Ramos is on hand to make the clearance. Valbuena gathers moments later before falling under the challenge of Monreal, but the referee shakes his head. End-to-end football with 50 minutes on the clock.
Slight problem for Ribery as the Bayern Munich winger clashes with Arbeloa, but following a brief spell of treatment he is deemed fit to continue. Benzema is the target man once more as he collects a pass from Evra before turning in the box, but Ramos makes the clearance. No real chances in the second period thus far.
Half-chance for the home side as Ribery fires a searching cross into the penalty area towards Pogba, but Valdes comes a long way to palm clear. It falls to Benzema outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It hasn't quite happened for the Real Madrid striker thus evening. But he has plenty of time to make an impact.
Another penalty appeal for Spain as Villa tumbles in the penalty area under a challenge from Koscielny, but once more the referee simply shakes his head. Spain are awarded a free kick moments later, but Alonso takes it quickly and the move breaks down. I suspect we could see some changes in the next 10 minutes or so.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the away side as Iniesta collects a pass from Villa before striking an effort towards the top corner, but Lloris is across to make a stunning save. The resulting set piece is fired into the penalty area by Xavi, but Varane makes the clearance.
Good pressure from France once more as Benzema combines with Ribery in the penalty area before striking towards goal, but Ramos is on hand to make the clearance. Pedro appears to get away with one moments later when he launches into a high challenge with Ribery, but the referee keeps his cards in his pocket. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Paris as Benzema heads wide of the post.
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GOAL! France 0-1 Spain (Pedro)
Spain lead in Paris! It's wonderful work from Monreal as the Arsenal defender darts into the penalty area before finding Pedro, who turns the ball home from close range. What a massive goal in the context of this group. France have to come at Spain now with 30 minutes remaining.
Suddenly the Spanish fans are having a real party in the stadium as they wave their flags. As it stands, they would move top of Group I, leaving qualification in their own hands. Meanwhile, the away side make their first change of the match as Jesus Navas replaces Villa, who has struggled this evening.
Real sense of nervousness in the French ranks at the moment as they continue to hand away possession in midfield. Xavi once more looks for that raking pass towards Monreal, but Jallet is across to make the clearance. Spain are quite possibly the worst team to play in world football when they are in the lead. France simply have to come out and attack in the latter stages.
Half-chance for France as Cabaye strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Pedro comes close down the other end moments later as he meets a cross from Arbeloa, but he was just leaning back at the vital moment. End-to-end football here as Matuidi blasts his effort straight at Valdes.
It's wonderful work from Navas as the Sevilla winger shows Evra a clean pair of heels before finding Iniesta on the edge of the penalty area, but the Spaniard is immediately surrounded by two defenders. It is all slightly half-hearted from the French at the moment as they continue to hand away possession. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Still no movement on the French bench, although I expect that to change in the next five minutes or so. Again Pedro is involved for the away side as he dances into the penalty area before finding Monreal, but the defender's low cross is flashed along the edge of the area with no takers. Another goal at this stage would kill France off.
Half-chance for Spain as Xavi strikes a free kick from outside the penalty area, but his effort is straight into the wall. Meanwhile, France do indeed make their first change as Jeremy Menez replaces Cabaye, who has tired in the second period. Still no Giroud for the Blues.
Again Navas is the threat for Spain as he glides past Evra before firing a low cross towards the near post, but Varane is across to make the clearance for what seems like the 100th time. France's two best players have been their two youngsters, Varane and Pogba. The future is bright. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and the away side lead 1-0.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Spain comfortable in possession of the ball. France's threat remains on the break with the pace of Ribery, but his end product just has not been there this evening. Meanwhile, Benzema has just faded. Time for Giroud? He is always worth a goal.
CHANCE! Oh my good grief how has he missed? Glorious chance for Varane to level the scores as he meets a loose ball in the penalty area, but somehow he fires wide from close range with Valdes in no man's land. Spain survive as Cesc Fabregas replaces Pedro for the final 10 minutes or so.
RED CARD! France have been reduced to 10 men as Pogba is given his marching orders for picking up two yellow cards in quick succession. The first was a poor challenge on Alonso before he caught Xavi late. The referee had no option.
It is harsh on the Juventus midfielder, who has been his side's best player this evening. France have little over 10 minutes to get back into this match. Ribery once more forces the issue with a low cross into the penalty area, but Ramos is on hand to make the clearance. End-to-end football in Paris. Wonderful excitement.
Spain are just keeping hold of possession at the moment as the minutes continue to tick away. Alonso tries his luck from distance moments later, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, France make their final change as Sissoko comes on to replace Benzema, who has struggled this evening.
It's really bright work from Sissoko as the Newcastle United midfielder drives past two players before finding Ribery, the winger steps inside before striking a powerful effort towards goal, but it just moved wide of the post at the vital moment. France just have to keep believing that they can take something from the match. At 1-0 there is always a chance of a late goal, just look at Finland.
Iniesta attempts to craft his way into the France box as he combines with Fabregas before moving past Evra, but the Manchester United defender just gets back to make the challenge. France force a free kick moments later as Arbeloa fells Menez, Valbuena whips a cross into the box, but somehow Valdes denies Evra from close range.
The home supporters are going their best to raise their side as we approach the final minute of normal time, but Spain continue to keep hold of the ball in their own half. It has not been the best of Spain performances, but what a result it would be if they can hang onto the lead. Just a vital match in the context of this group.
France attempt to force the issue once more as Ribery combines with Evra down the left, but Arbeloa is across to make the challenge as the minutes continue to tick on. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those.
Finally Giroud is introduced into the match with little over one minute of football remaining as the Arsenal striker replaces Jallet. It does seem unlikely that he will get a single touch, however, as Spain continue to dominate the ball. Busquets comes close with an effort from close range, but Lloris makes the save.
Spain make a late change of their own, meanwhile, as Juan Mata replaces Iniesta. The former has been Chelsea's best player this season, but he cannot get in this team. That tells you about the strength of this Spain team. Little under 30 seconds remaining.
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FULL-TIME: France 0-1 Spain
So there we have it. Huge win for Spain as Pedro's goal moves them top of Group I, qualification is now in their own hands. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for all the reaction. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
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