Silvestre: Les Bleus will show true colours

Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre is expecting France to finally put their troubles behind them against Spain and start to show their true character as the former champions enter the sudden-death phase.

France were unconvincing in the group phase, drawing with Switzerland and South Korea before defeating Togo to finish second in Group G and set up the clash with Luis Aragones’ side.

But Silvestre believes the nature of the tie will bring the best out of both teams and provide an entertaining game for the millions watching all over the world.

“Spain and France share the same spirit,” he said. “It’s do or die and we have to do something to get a result.

“The game against Spain will be a very good game to watch. It’s going to be a good position for us because they have an attacking spirit.”

Silvestre conceded France had not been at their best so far, however with the competition going into a knockout round he felt the competition was now about to begin.

“We have been anxious, but now it’s like a new tournament,” he said.

France are looking to repeat their quarter-final win over Spain from Euro 2000 six years ago, when they won 2-1 before going on to win the title just two years after becoming world champions.

Coach Raymond Domenech was keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the game, breaking with his usual protocol of naming his team the day before the game.

That means Zinedine Zidane will have to wait to find out if he will return to the starting line-up after missing the win over Togo due to suspension.