Other Competitions
France vs. Spain: 5 Legendary Matches
2021 Nations League Final: Spain 1-2 France
Still reeling from a frustrating exit from Euro 2020, France shook off some of that disappointment by winning the second edition of the UEFA Nations League. After coming from two goals down against Belgium in the semifinals, they had to battle back from a deficit after Mikel Oyarzabal had scored first for La Rioja. Kylian Mbappé was the hero of the evening, setting up Karim Benzema for the first before scoring the second himself to earn his second major title with his country.
2012 Euro Quarterfinal: Spain 2-0 France
Capping off a run of three consecutive major titles, Spain were far and away the best side in Ukraine and Poland a dozen years ago, with the likes of Fernando Torres and David Villa filling their boots. On this evening, though, it was Xabi Alonso who would make the difference, as a France side still in transition following their shock World Cup 2010 exit struggled to get a foothold in the game.
2006 World Cup, Round of 16: Spain 1-3 France
Villa would give Spain the lead from the penalty spot in Hannover, but France would roar back with Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira both getting a goal and an assist. Les Bleus would memorably fall short in the final against Italy, with Zidane being sent off, but on the evening, Raymond Domenech's side were untouchable.
2000 Euro Quarterfinal: France 2-1 Spain
On their way to a second successive major title, following the 1998 World Cup, which they had won at home, France were imperious in Belgium, with Zidane scoring a free kick just past the half hour interval. Spain would level the match with a penalty, but France would retake the lead before the break, before Raul's infamous missed penalty in the 90th minute saw Les Bleus cling on to progress.
1984 Euro Final: France 2-0 Spain
France's first major title was won against Spain at the Parc des Princes in 1984. Led by the Carré Magique -- three-time Ballon d'Or winner Michel Platini, Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse and Luis Fernandez, this generation of France also reached the last four at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, with Platini providing the attack spark. On this occasion, his free kick on the hour -- his ninth goal of the tournament -- would give the hosts a lead they wouldn't relinquish, despite finishing with ten men.
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