Debuchy warning for Spain

Mathieu Debuchy believes France can take it right up to reigning world and European champions Spain in World Cup qualifying next Tuesday.

Debuchy said France had under-performed in the last meeting between the sides, in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso scored twice in clash to wrap up an ultimately comfortable victory for La Roja.

But Debuchy, who was replaced by Florent Malouda in the second half of that tie as France pushed for an equaliser, is determined to see an improvement in his team’s performance this time around.

“I have a little regret for this game when I was not at my level or in my (correct) position. I could have given more,” he told France Football.

“They were stronger than us. They controlled the game from beginning to end. It was the quarter-finals of the Euros. We did not do enough to put them in danger.”

Heading into their World Cup qualifier with Vicente Del Bosque’s side next week, the French have recorded two victories from their opening two games in Group I, beating Finland and Belarus.

Debuchy believes a new-look France will be able to redeem themselves from the defeat at Euro 2012.

“There have been many changes in the group, with new staff and a new coach,” he said.

“I do not know whether we need to try something new against Spain. We’ll let the coach decide. We will work this week to become dangerous (so we can) bring something back from there.

“I have not watched Spain’s latest games but I do not think they have changed a lot of players, and they have the same philosophy of playing we know about.

“We know this is a very good team playing very good football and they remain the best nation.”