Fernandez dismisses France´s chances

Former Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Fernandez has dismissed France’s chances against Spain in their Euro 2012 quarter-final.

Laurent Blanc’s side saw their 23 game unbeaten run come to an end on Tuesday, slumping to a 2-0 defeat to Sweden to finish second in Group D.

Fernandez, who is Spain-born, said that while France have to play to their full potential in Donetsk, they lack the ‘personality’ to end Spain’s lengthy unbeaten run in major tournaments.

“France have prepared to the best of (their ability). After a good start, losing to Sweden, (France) claim they’re ready to beat the world and European champions. (They) lack personality.” the 52-year-old told AS.

“(Franck) Ribery and (Karim) Benzema have (the ability that) can win a game, but they must work to recover the ball, take it away from Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta and company. It’s complicated.

“We’re very pessimistic. The work they are doing with Blanc had to have begun in 2006. The image of 2010 was sad, very bad for our football.

“Blanc is trying, but it is (too) soon. Tactically, it is a problem to counter Spain, (their) ball control prevents fluidity from the game.”