Newcastle United’s representation in Euro 2012 could come to an end today if France are knocked out by Spain in the quarter finals, but can a returning Yohan Cabaye fire the underdogs to victory?
France’s squad boasts two Newcastle players: Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa. While they are part of a talented squad, Spain are clear favourites going into the game and haven’t conceded a goal in the knockout stage of a tournament since 2006, which is some record.
As for France, they disappointed in the group stages and only managed to finish second in Group D behind England, with Laurent Blanc’s men losing in their last match against Sweden.
That was a match that Hatem Ben Arfa started, but perhaps more importantly Yohan Cabaye was missing through injury and that clearly dented the French team’s performance.
Manager Laurent Blanc recognises that and has said that: “Cabaye is indispensable in terms of how he played in the first two games in the competition, absolutely”
Blanc continued: “We know players like Cabaye bring a lot to the team. You realise how much players like that bring when they are not actually there.”
“He has such great technical ability which really helps the side, gives us a bit more assurance, because we can keep the ball and move it about.”
“He has been an important player for a while now – both with his club and the national side,” So you’d expect he’d go straight into the team tonight.
However, will that be enough to propel France to victory?
