Debuchy looks to dethrone Spain

Mathieu Debuchy is confident that France have what it takes to usurp Spain and make it to the semi-finals of Euro 2012.

Les Bleus had to settle for second spot in Group D after being beaten 2-0 by Sweden on Tuesday, and failed to avoid the title-holders in the first knockout stage.

“I’m sure we can beat Spain,” Debuchy told Goal.com.

“They are a great team with great players. The key will be taking the ball from them, which obviously will not be easy, because they are best in the world to keep it, so the key is to stay calm and take advantage of the spaces they leave for us.”

The right-back then reflected on France’s surprise loss to the Swedes, but while he was not impressed by the performance they gave on Tuesday, he insisted his team-mates did not underestimate their opponents.

“We did not play well, not as usual. We knew the game would be difficult, it was not overconfidence, we were simply not up to par,” he said.

“I am very disappointed with the game but overall pleased to have qualified for the quarter-finals. That was our original goal and we delivered.

“No doubt we would have liked to win and finish first, but after what happened to the team that played in South Africa, we are quite happy to be in the quarters.”

The quarter-final tie between France and Spain takes place in Donetsk on Saturday.