Euro 2012: Spain want to end winless record against France

Warsaw: France are unlikely to feel psychologically inferior to holders Spain when they meet in their Euro 2012 quarter-final on Saturday, having never lost to the world champions in a competitive game.

The French have won five and drawn one of their six competitive meetings with their neighbours, meaning Spain will need a first in Donetsk if they are to stay on track to become the first team to win three successive major international titles.

The unpredictable French impressed in their 2-0 win over Ukraine but coach Laurent Blanc said the team "slacked off" before their 2-0 loss to Sweden and strong words were exchanged in the dressing room after losing the top spot in Group D.

Spain have lost five and drawn one of their six competitive meetings with the neighbours.

Spain eased into the last eight as Group C winners but were given a few nervous moments by Croatia in their final group game, and Saturday's clash could be a tight affair.

The reward for the winner will be a semi-final against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal at the same venue in Donetsk next Wednesday.

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