Remy strike condemns Spain to friendly defeat
7 Sept 2014 5:08 AM IST
Remy fired emphatically into the roof of the net at the near post in the 73rd minute from a Mathieu Valbuena assist to set France on the way to a win that they will feel they deserved against the deposed world champions. Missing several familiar faces, including the retired Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso, Spain nevertheless maintained their style of old, controlling large periods of possession but without really threatening to break down the home defence.
France, meanwhile, had the best chances and should have been in front four minutes into the second half, but a clever Karim Benzema finish at the end a flowing move was disallowed for offside, with television replays suggesting the Swiss officials got the decision wrong.
Exactly two months after their 1-0 defeat to eventual winners Germany in Rio de Janeiro, France coach Didier Deschamps sent out a side that showed just one change, with Newcastle United’s Moussa Sissoko starting at the expense of Yohan Cabaye.
In contrast, their opponents had three players, Dani Carvajal, Mikel San Jose and Raul Garcia, making their international debuts and another in David de Gea winning just his second cap in goal.
France, meanwhile, had the best chances and should have been in front four minutes into the second half, but a clever Karim Benzema finish at the end a flowing move was disallowed for offside, with television replays suggesting the Swiss officials got the decision wrong.
Exactly two months after their 1-0 defeat to eventual winners Germany in Rio de Janeiro, France coach Didier Deschamps sent out a side that showed just one change, with Newcastle United’s Moussa Sissoko starting at the expense of Yohan Cabaye.
In contrast, their opponents had three players, Dani Carvajal, Mikel San Jose and Raul Garcia, making their international debuts and another in David de Gea winning just his second cap in goal.
Next Story
