Karim Benzema has voiced his belief that Spain are the best team in the world and that France will approach their Euro 2012 quarter-final with La Roja as underdogs.
Vicente del Bosque's side won Group C, narrowly beating Croatia in their last game to ensure their top spot, while Les Bleus' loss to Sweden meant they surrendered first place to England in Group D.
And the former Olympique Lyonnais man feels that Laurent Blanc's men must give everything to be in with any chance against the world and European champions.
"Of course they are favourites!" the 24-year-old told the French Football Federation's official website. "This is the best team in the world. Everyone thinks they will win. We must give our all."
The Real Madrid forward then revealed that the clash will be special in one way but strange in another, due to his familiarity with a number of La Roja's players.
"It will be a game like no other. This is my first quarter-final in a major tournament, except of course in the Champions League.
"There are many players I know in this Spain team, I play with them at my club. It'll be weird."
France and Spain kick off at 20:45CET, hoping to set up a semi-final tie with Portugal, who qualified for the last four by beating Czech Republic on Thursday.
Benzema: Everyone thinks Spain will beat France
By John Stammers | GOAL.com – Sun, Jun 24, 2012 12:25 AM SGT
View PhotoBenzema: Everyone thinks Spain will beat France
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