It was Monday 11th June, Laurent Blanc had just criticised England’s style of football in the build up to the two teams opening match Donetsk.
Later that day, the two teams played out a fairly mediocre 1-1 draw which left them both in a fairly good position heading into the last two group matches.
After both won their second matches of the competition, against Ukraine and Sweden respectively, there was a feeling that England would have to do quite a lot to overhaul Les Bleus goal difference and finish top of the group, despite the two countres being level on points.
Somewhat surprisingly England did top the group, courtesy of England’s 1-0 win and their French counterparts 2-0 defeat at the hands of Sweden.
Tuesday’s turn of events have left France facing a far from easy Quarter Final against Spain in Donetsk on Saturday night, and Laurent Blanc acknowledging that his side will have to improve dramatically if they are to stop the Seleccion marching through to the Semi Finals.
However, although this will be very difficult for them, I do believe that France can give the Spanish a genuine run for their money at the weekend.
The attacking players that the French boast, Ribery, Nasri, Menez, Benzema and Giroud, are more than capable of making life very hard for a Spain defence that looks nowhere near as assured or secure as it did in 2008 and 2010.
Although, to progress they will need a big performance from Diarra and M’Vila in the midfield to rattle the usually serene Xabi Alonso and Xavi.
Many pundits regard the French back four as the Achilles heel of the team, their performance against Sweden didn’t help disprove it, however against a Spain side that appears to be lacking and out and striker, Torres is far from a regular, then they could have an easier job of shoring it up.
It won’t be easy for France, but it won’t be easy for the Spain either.
Below is a video of the French friendly win against Germany, a display they can take real heart from.
@georgepowell8