Spain took sole possession atop Group I with a hard fought 1-0 win over France.
France entered the match with a two point lead on the defending World Cup champs and only needed a draw to preserve its lead and control its destiny. A draw or loss would have kept Spain two points behind France and would have required a loss or draw for the French against Georgia, Finland, or Belarus.
The French came out looking like the better side and sustained pressure for the first few minutes. The Spaniards eventually settled the pace down and implemented their trademark tiki-taka passing style. The team almost connected when Xavi Hernandez received a pass into the slot that he shot over the net. However after that opportunity, the French settled down and applied pressure to the Spanish game that limited their space and ability to create. David Villa almost broke free after Patrice Evra misplayed an aerial ball, but Villa failed to make much of his chance. It was the French that came closest to scoring first. Mathieu Valbuena threw an aerial pass up the left wing where Frank Ribery flicked it past defender Gerard Pique. However, as he inched closer to the net, Ribery was met by Spanish keeper Victor Valdes who made his first of two tremendous saves to maintain a 0-0 draw.
The Spanish continued their high pressure game in the second half and eventually connected in the 58th minute when Pedro threw a cross up the left wing that Nacho Monreal chipped past the French defense. Monreal when crossed the ball in and Pedro made contact with it. The ball hit off goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and a last ditch effort from the keeper pushed it quickly over the line.
The French fought back, but were crippled when Paul Pogba received two yellow cards in one minute. At the 77th minute, Pogba made contact with Xabi Alonso’s head on an aerial play. A minute later, he stepped on Xavi’s foot and received his second card.
Despite being a man down, the French continued to apply pressure and Frank Ribery almost scored off a rush. Later on Valbuena crossed a free kick into the box that Evra headed. However, a reflex save from Valdes’ left hand preserved the lead. Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane almost scored off a corner, but the defender the Spanish defense kicked the ball away.
The win gives Spain sole possession of Group I and control over their destiny. If they manage to win all of their remaining matches, a World Cup 2014 berth will be theirs. France must now hope Spain loses some points in their final three matches.