The hottest team in the world and number one according to the FIFA rankings Spain justified this title by leaving victorious from France after 42 years, and they did it with ease winning 2-0 in front of thousands of screaming fans requesting from French manager Raymond Domenech to resign. Spain was better for the biggest part of the game, missing a chance to score in the 19th minute after Xabi Alonso’s free kick brought the ball to Sergio Busquets that shot a few meters wide. Just 2 minutes later though the same player gave a nice assist to Cesc Fàbregas that tried to find David Silva with the ball ending up in front of David Villa that had no problem scoring the match opener. Right before the end of the first half Spain managed to double their goals when Sergio Ramos beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a superb shot from almost 16 meters away. France tried to come back in the game at the second half and it was only after Djibril Cissé entered the field in 75 that the team managed to make some good plays, with Florent Malouda’s shot at the goal post being their biggest chance.
This friendly match was a huge test for both teams less than 3 months before the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, with Spain confirming their position of the tournament’s favourite team. The European Champions beat France fair and square inside their own home, leaving them no room to breath. Even though this was the first loss for France in 13 straight home games the team is going through a troubled period with fans and media pushing coach Domenech to leave his position before the finals in South Africa.
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