Player Ratings: Spain v France
DONETSK, UKRAINE – JUNE 23: Laurent Koscielny of France in action as Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas of Spain look on during the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter final match between Spain and France at Donbass Arena on June 23, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Spain knocked out France at the quarter-final stage of the European Championships last night, courtesy Xabi Alonso’s brace. Here’s how the sides fared
DONETSK, UKRAINE – JUNE 23: Xavi of Spain with the ball during the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter final match between Spain and France at Donbass Arena on June 23, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Iker Casillas – 6.5
Had almost nothing to do throughout the game, which was surprising because the opposition was France. Made one notable save when he parried Yoann Cabaye’s free-kick in the first half.
Alvaro Arbeloa – 6.5
Didn’t attack as much as his fellow fullback Alba, but when he did, got forward to great effect. Kept Ribery quiet, which is not an easy thing to do.
Gerard Pique – 7
Kept Benzema quiet throughout the game. Also stymied the threat of Malouda and Cabaye and was excellent at intercepting French passes and crosses.
Sergio Ramos – 7
Good shift from the man who plays right-back for his club. Effectively nullified the French attack, helping out Jordi Alba on the flank as well. Blotted his copybook with a yellow card.
Jordi Alba – 7.5
Played really well, which is synonymous with his entire tournament. Linked up well with his midfield, and overlapped well with Fabregas, Iniesta and Silva. Defended solidly against Mathieu Debuchy and Yohan Cabaye. Provided the assist for Xabi Alonso’s first goal.
Sergio Busquets – 6.5
Was intelligent in the middle of the park, playing the midfield screener to perfection. A tidy display from the Barcelona man. Nothing too showy about his performance
Xabi Alonso – 9
What a way to celebrate your hundredth game. Took his goals excellently and his precision passes caused problems to no end for the French
Andres Iniesta – 7.5
Great pass to release Alba for the opener. Played better in the heart of midfield, which he did often by dropping deep, than he did on the flanks. Good show – as always – from him.
Xavi Hernandez – 8
Being Spain’s playmaker is a job many look at with envy, but despite the French side’s best efforts to keep him quiet, he was able to play his trademark passing game.
Cesc Fabregas – 6
Played in the ‘false nine’ role, but didn’t provide much conviction to his performance. Was caught offside several times, before being hauled off for Torres.
David Silva – 6
Was pitted against his Manchester City counterpart in Gael Clichy, and despite an industrious shift, his usual flair was lacking as he was kept quiet by the left-back
Substitutes:
Pedro Rodriguez – 5
Didn’t do much, but was full of running and won the penalty.
Fernando Torres – 5.5
Didn’t have much to do as Spain seemed to be more focussed on retaining possession
Santi Cazorla – N/A
DONETSK, UKRAINE – JUNE 23: Hugo Lloris of France reacts during the UEFA EURO 2012 quarter final match between Spain and France at Donbass Arena on June 23, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Hugo Lloris – 7
Made many good saves to keep France in the game, but could do nothing about both goals.
Anthony Reveillere – 6
Good showing from the Lyon man who put in a solid defensive performance without going forward much, until he conceded that late penalty which sealed the game for Spain
Adil Rami – 6.5
Looked composed at the back, and was able to largely nullify the threat of Cesc Fabregas, and later on, Torres.
Laurent Koscielny – 6.5
Brought in because Philippe Mexes was suspended, and did a much better job. Coped well with the Spanish attack.
Gael Clichy – 6
Looked overwhelmed on the left flank as he had to deal with the threat of Arbeloa, Iniesta, Fabregas and Alonso with Koscielny, since Ribery did not track back. Still shone in patches, but could have conceded an early penalty after clattering into former Arsenal team-mate Fabregas.
Yann M’Vila – 6.5
Started the game well, although he did misplace a couple passes. Looked good holding his own against the Spanish midfield, but that being said, he could only do so much against them. Taken off as his side went for the equaliser.
Yoann Cabaye – 6.5
Played tidily, but he failed to harry the Spanish defence. Tested Casillas with a long-range free-kick, but could not impose himself on the game.
Florent Malouda – 5.5
Was a square peg in a round hole in central midfield, and failed to capitalise on the possession that came his way. Not entirely his fault though.
Mathieu Debuchy – 6.5
Got forward well in an advanced role on the wings, and while he was one of France’s most hardworking players, the Spanish defence nullified his endeavours.
Franck Ribery – 7
Looked to be the most threatening of the French attackers, regularly linking up well with Benzema, but Arbeloa and Pique kept his quiet, which meant that all his running went unrewarded.
Karim Benzema – 6
Worked his socks off today, but the tournament has not been favourable for the Frenchman. Cut an isolated figure at times, but connected well with Ribery and Cabaye.
Substitutes
Samir Nasri – 4.5
His on-field output was negligible as he failed to get into the game, and he will be remembered for his off-field histrionics, rather than his contributions on the pitch.
Jeremy Menez – 5
Worked hard off the ball, but didn’t get enough of it to change France’s fortunes. That told as he was booked for a rash tackle.
Olivier Giroud – N/A
The new Arsenal signing has not received the opportunity to make his mark on the tournament. The Spain game spoke volumes in that regard.