France boss disappointed after defeat to Sweden
Last Updated: June 19, 2012 11:18pm
Laurent Blanc: Saw his side lose for first time in 24 games against Sweden
France coach Laurent Blanc admitted his side were average and struggled throughout Tuesday's disappointing defeat to Sweden.
Blanc's side went into the clash topping Group D after the opening 1-1 draw with England and 2-0 win over co-hosts Ukraine.
But the French were stunned by second-half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Seb Larsson to slump to their first defeat in 24 games.
"Sweden beat an average France team," said Blanc. "They were better in all departments. If we analyse the game I think we struggled throughout."
M'Vila challenge
"They were better in all departments. If we analyse the game I think we struggled throughout."
Laurent BlancQuotes of the week
Laurent BlancQuotes of the week
France - who last reached the knockout stages of a major finals in the 2006 World Cup - will now play champions Spain in the last eight and midfielder Yann M'Vila has challenged his team-mates to prove their quality.
He said: "We came upon a team that was far stronger than us.
"We are going to play Spain, the world and defending champions.
"It is up to us to show another side to our game and to prove that we can go far in this competition."&
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