Blanc likely to sacrifice Nasri for greater good

Samir Nasri looks like being the fall guy as Laurent Blanc attempts to heal the rifts in the France camp that have reopened old wounds between Les Bleus and their supporters back home.

Blanc has a difficult enough task in trying to overcome Spain, the reigning world and European champions, in their quarter-final tie in Donetsk tonight. He has also had to contend with the sort of dressing room unrest thatderailed France’s 2010 World Cup campaign.

Now, Blanc’s good work in bringing unity and a sense of pride and purpose back to the side looks in danger, after France were beaten 2-0 by Sweden in Kiev on Tuesday, losing their 23-game unbeaten run and top spot in Group D.