Paris, Sep 5 (IANS) France claimed a deserved 1-0 triumph in an international football friendly held at Stade de France here, when they beat reigning European champions Spain for the first time in eight years.
The Euro 2016 hosts, who’ll skip qualifications beginning later this month with an automatic berth, scored the only goal through substitute Loic Remy after building on solid organisation and purposeful attacking play Thursday, reports Xinhua.
Remy fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner from just inside the box to break the deadlock for France in the 74th minute.
A flowing move involved Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and Mathieu Valbuena to set up the ball.
Spain manager Viecent del Bosque had promised a new era for his side and named three new caps in his starting lineup, but only came up with an entertaining but fruitless play.
The lack of penetration, which so undermined the Spaniards in the World Cup, was evident again. Even with Costa fit and Fabregas prompting, they could not summon one shot on target.
“There were a few positives to take from the game, we were not able to win but we gave a good impression. In the first half we looked more serious than in the second half,” Bosque told a post-match press conference.
“After the break our game was not as solid but we created more chances. We elaborated play, enjoyed possession of the ball and managed the game without any problems; it has been a good test for us.”
France coach Didier Deschamps said he was “very satisfied” and acknowledged that “it is always good news” to beat the current European champions.
“It is very good to play and win. And it’s always good news if that victory is against Spain,” he said. “Personally I’m happy.”