France beat Spain first time in 8 years at friendly

A fan uses a laser pointer on Spain's Diego Costa during their international friendly soccer match against France at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, Sept 4, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - France claimed a deserved 1-0 triumph in an international friendly held at Stade de France on Thursday, when it came out as the first win they've taken over reigning European champions Spain in eight years.

The Euro 2016 hosts, who'll skip qualifications beginning later this month with an automatic berth, scored the only goal through substitute Loic Remy after building on solid organization and purposeful attacking play.

Rem fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner from just inside the box to break the deadlock for France in the 74th minute.

A flowing move involving Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and Mathieu Valbuena set up the ball.

Spain manager Viecent del Bosque had promised a new era for his side and named three new caps in his starting lineup, but only came up with an entertaining but fruitless play.

The lack of penetration, which so undermined the Spaniards in the World Cup, was evident again. Even with Costa fit and Fabregas prompting, they could not summon one shot on target.

"There were a few positives to take from the game, we were not able to win but we gave a good impression. In the first half we looked more serious than in the second half," Bosque told a post-match press conference.

"After the break our game was not as solid but we created more chances. We elaborated play, enjoyed possession of the ball and managed the game without any problems; it has been a good test for us."

He remained tight-lipped on who's his No 1 going forward but said that he's happy with the development of De Gea, the Manchester United keeper, while leaving out Iker Casillas.

"De Gea did well, we are all happy with him," said Bosque. "We needed to give him a run-out and we took advantage of this game to field him in a big game."

France coach Didier Deschamps said he was "very satisfied" and acknowledged that "it is always good news" to win over the current European champions.

"It is very good to play and win. And it's always good news if that victory is against Spain," he said. "Personally I'm happy and I think we can still achieve more in the final minutes."

Deschamps, however, regretted not having had more goals to extend their lead.

"It is a desire to improve, to do things together and to keep enthusiasm," added the former Valencia player.

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