Spain hold no fears for Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi insists France will be able to cause Spain problems when the sides meet for their crucial World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Les Bleus are preparing for a Group I crunch match against the reigning world and European champions, who dropped points against Finland in a surprise 1-1 draw on Friday.

France top the group by two points and Matuidi is quietly confident about their chances of extending the lead.

“We realise that we have a lot of quality and that we can pose problems for any team out there,” the 25-year-old told L’Equipe.

The two teams drew 1-1 at Vicente Calderon in October where a late Olivier Giroud strike snatched a point for France.

However, Matuidi is wary of a backlash particularly after the shock draw with Finland.

“The return match will be complicated,” said the PSG midfielder, who has already played 45 games so far this season for club and country.

“Spain will be looking for revenge for the 1-1 draw last year. But we know what to expect because it won’t be any different from the previous time we played them.

“They are a side who like to have possession and dictate terms but we have what it takes to counter them.

“That it was my first big test on the international stage, against the best team in the world. It went pretty well. But I can’t stop there. I need to keep my focus on what’s yet to come.”