FRANCE MUST BEAT SWEDEN

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has said that the feeling of an international tournament will only start for France if they beat the Swedish final group game of the Euro 2012.

France will be going into the tournament as one of the favourites to win the title, but they have started the group games with a draw against England and a hardfought victory over Ukraine. As a result, only a victory against Sweden will feel like a real start the tournament according to Manchester city defender Clichy, who has managed to replace Patrice Evra in the left back position for his country.

The match against Sweden is also extremely important due to the fact that it can decide the potential winner of the group. It is important due to the fact that the winner of the group will be able to avoid Spain in the quarter-finals of the competition. Even though taking on the 2006 world champions Italy is not the easiest task, France will certainly be able to feel good if they avoid Spain in the quarter-final stage of the competition. France will know that their future is in their hands if they win against Sweden.

"We will be able to say that a great story will begin if we win against Sweden. Even if we are happy and in a good position, nothing is complete. We'll have to try to play well and give a great performance against the Swedes. We know we have the quality to make the difference against any team, and if we win against Sweden, then we can say that a new adventure begins," said the defender Gael Clichy ahead of the match with Sweden. The defender is expected to start in the match against Sweden ahead of Manchester United left back Patrice Evra.