France lack the ‘personality’ to beat Spain: Luis Fernandez

Warsaw: Ex-Athletic Bilbao and Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Fernandez has dismissed France`s chances against Spain, ahead of the two nations` meeting in the Euro 2012 quarter final on Saturday.

Laurent Blanc`s side saw their 23-game unbeaten run come to an end on Tuesday as les Bleus limped to a 2-0 defeat to Sweden to finish second in Group D and fight out a place in the last four against the current world and European champions. Fernandez, who incidentally is Spain-born, claims that while France have to play to their full potential in Donetsk, they lack the `personality` to end La Roja`s lengthy unbeaten run in major tournaments. "France have prepared to the best of their ability. After a good start, losing to Sweden, France claim they`re ready to beat the world and European champions. They lack personality," the 52-year-old was quoted as saying. "Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema have the abilty that can win a game, but they must work to recover the ball, take it away from Xavi, Andres Iniesta and company. It`s complicated.” "We`re very pessimistic. The work they are doing with Blanc had to have begun in 2006. The image of 2010 was sad, very bad for our football.” "Blanc is trying, but it is too soon. Tactically, it is a problem to counter Spain, their ball control, prevents fluidity from the game,” he added. Kick-off at the Donbass Arena is scheduled for 20:45CET. Goal.com