Among a cluster of World Cup qualifying games scheduled for Tuesday, one stands out above the rest with France looking to show they are a team to be reckoned with when they take on World and European champions Spain.
There is no better team in the world right now than Spain; the fact that they are the best team in the world by some distance and have been the best for quite a few years now is undoubted. France, on the other hand, under the astute Didier Deschamps, are still recovering from the bickering and infighting that seem to plague them in big competitions.
The winner of this tie, to be played at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon Stadium, will most probably end up being winners of the group, which also consists of Belarus, Georgia and Finland.
The runners-up in the group will have to ensure they are among the top eight second-placed teams in Europe, and then compete in a two-legged playoff for World cup qualification. The idea of Spain not qualifying to defend their World Cup crown is unimaginable, but to a lesser extent, so is France.
The French were undoubtedly the best side in the world a little more than a decade ago, and were World Cup finalists in 2006, when they lost to Italy in the final - although that game will forever be remembered for the Zinedine Zidane head-butt.
Therefore, both teams know the importance of Tuesday's game towards potentially controlling the group. "After the game, one of the two teams will be well on course for qualification," Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque said. "This is like a cup tie that needs to be overcome.
"There will still be 15 points to play for after this game but the double clash with France is vital."
Spain, who defeated Belarus 4-0 last Friday, will again have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal, and Del Bosque will know any of the 23-men in the squad are capable of turning the game on their own.
For Deschamps, however, selection won't be so cut and dry. France are coming off the back off a shock 1-0 loss to Japan in a friendly a few days back.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who will be well aware of the quality posed by his Spanish opponents, will most probably get the nod over Arsenal's Olivier Giroud, with the coach likely to go for two solid defensive midfielders to offset the dominance of Spain's midfield.
"Against Belarus, Spain displayed the incredible quality they possess," Deschamps said. "But I believe we can bring something back from Madrid. It is clear that Spain are the best team in the world but we shouldn't go there thinking a win is impossible."
A win, however, might be impossible. Spain have not lost a qualifying game (World Cup or Euro) since 2006, and are on a remarkable run of 24 consecutive victories, but Spain defender Raul Albiol said they would not take anything for granted.
"I don't think our opponents will be coming here with their spirits damaged at all," said the Real Madrid CF centre-back. "(Against Japan) they had the match against us in mind. We are all too aware that we will have to prepare exceptionally well as we will be facing the absolute best version of France."
Spain were given a bit of a scare Sunday, after Sergio Ramos missed training because of a minor injury, although he did take part in a training session on Monday. The Spaniards are already without Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, meaning Sergio Busquets might again play as a central defender, like he did against Belarus.
Expected lineups: Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Busquets, Ramos, Alba, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, Cazorla, Pedro, Fabregas.
France: LLoris, Debuchy, Koscielny, Rami, Clichy, Matuidi, Cissoko, Cabaye, Ribery, Valbuena, Benzema.
Prediction: 3-1 to Spain
