Lloris laments failure to avoid Spain after lacklustre loss

Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2012 by Goal.com

The goalkeeper bemoaned squandering the chance to avoid the holders in the quarter-finals after Tuesday's loss and called for his side to show fight against La Roja

Hugo Lloris has lamented France’s inability to avoid Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 after losing 2-0 to Sweden.

Two volleys from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Seb Larsson meant Les Bleus slipped behind England in Group D, and ended their 23-game unbeaten streak to set up a meeting against the holders on Saturday.

And Lloris knows that France, who could have faced Italy with a win, now face a sterner test to advance.

"Against Spain we need to prove what we have in the belly against the best team in the world. We had the opportunity to avoid them but we haven't taken it," Lloris told French TV channel M6.

"The classification of the group [group standings] did not reflect the value of the team."

France finished the group stage with just four points, and manager Laurent Blanc has also recognised the need to improve after their lacklustre showing against Sweden.

But, the former Bordeaux manager did acknowledge the talents of Ibrahimovic after his spectacular volley broke the deadlock on the night.

"The qualification was our aim, but this match, we have been beaten in all compartments of the game. We should certainly be better to go further in this tournament,” he added.

"This team of Sweden gave us a lot of problems, with a very great player in Ibrahimovic."

French midfielder Yann M'Vila spoke of the need for him and his team-mates to shake off their disappointment and regroup as soon as possible, before admitting that Spain are favourites to progress to the semi-finals.

"We took a small slap, but now we're going to remotivate,” he said, speaking of the Sweden loss.

"Spain are champions of the world and Europe. They are favourites."