The most exciting game of the quarterfinal stage on paper is almost upon us. Spain vs France has the potential to be a match for the ages.Spain will start favorites, as they do for pretty much every game they play, but in France, the defending champions face their most difficult prospect yet. Spain were stifled pretty well by the Croatians and needed a last-gasp winner from Jesus Navas to procure a win, which saw them top their group.

As much as Spain like to play their tiki-taka style of soccer, the Spaniards will depend to a certain extent on the mercurial Fernando Torres. Torres exploded to life in the game against the Republic of Ireland, and if the Chelsea striker shows anything resembling that form, the France defenders might be in for a hard time.

The French face a conundrum. Laurent Blanc's side has received much praise for his side's style of play, which involves having a lot of possession of the ball. However, against Spain, France are unlikely to boss possession, something that Blanc is entirely aware of. "Spain are going to have the ball, it is impossible to fight them for ball retention," Blanc told a news conference.

"Spain have the ball 60% or 70% of the time. They have the ball and won't give it back. You only have the ball for a third of the game."

Since France know they will not have majority of the ball, Blanc's men will have to shape up in such a way, that they can take advantage on the counter attacks. Press the ball, do not give time and space and try to spring Spain on the counter will be Blanc's mantra.

You cannot stop the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas from making pass after pass. What France will have to concentrate on is they don't make the killer pass which sees the likes of Torres through on goal.

It is easier said than done though. Spain tire their teams out so much with their tireless possession soccer, that come the last third of the game, most teams lose concentration, allowing the World champions the small gaps they need to exploit and find the target.

The central defensive partnership of Adil Rami and Phillipe Mexes has been suspect and the fact that Mexes is suspended for today's game might be a blessing in disguise. Laurent Koscielny, who will replace Mexes, is coming off a very good season with Arsenal and probably should have started for France right from the beginning. Koscielny will also be familiar with Torres, having played against him several times in the English Premier League.

France almost imploded after their shoddy showing against Sweden saw them lose 2-0, with several players arguing in the dressing room after the game. Blanc admitted there had been some heated discussions, but hoped the fire would fuel them against Spain. France know very well, if they play anything like they did against Sweden, they will be in for a hiding against Spain.

"You're disappointed, you're angry, there are heated exchanges and the temperature goes up so you try to calm it down. We did that," Blanc said.

"There is paradox: we are all angry but then you take a step back and think, 'Hang on, hang on, we've not packed the bags and we are not going home. We're in the quarterfinals against Spain.' We have to focus on that and that is exactly what we have done."

Samir Nasri came for much criticism after the Sweden loss, with several of his own team-mates criticising the Manchester City playmaker's performance. At his worst, Nasri can be a sulking player who is selfish and refuses to distribute the ball. At his best, however, Nasri can be the orchestrator of a France symphony, capable of hitting Spain on the counter attack with lethal precision.

France will be desperately hoping it is the latter.