France happy being underdogs against Spain

HAMELIN, Germany, June 25 (Reuters) France, automatic favourites against anyone not so long ago, feel they will be the underdogs when they face Spain in the second round of the World Cup on Tuesday and like it that way.

''Maybe it's a good thing that Spain believe they're the favourites,'' France midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo told reporters today.

''Let them be confident.'' France, world champions in 1998 and European champions two years later, are relying on an ageing team and have struggled to advance to the last 16.

By contrast, Spain, long regarded as under-achievers on the big stage, have plenty of young talent and have suggested they might make an impact at last.

''Maybe they (Spain) believe we will lose,'' said France defender Eric Abidal. ''Maybe they were better than us in the group stage but it will get harder for them now.'' FIRST VICTORY France, who beat Spain in the final of the 1984 European championship to win their first significant title, have played the Spaniards 27 times, recording 10 victories, 11 defeats and six draws.

The two neighbours have never met them on the World Cup stage and Spain will be chasing their first victory over the French in the finals of a major tournament.

France won 2-1 the last time they played Spain competitively, in the quarter-finals of Euro 2000. Raul missed a penalty in the final minute and France went on to win the title.

''I hope they realise we're a good team and beating us is certainly not easy,'' said Dhorasoo.

Midfielder Alou Diarra listed the reasons why France could justifiably feel optimistic against Spain and their quicksilver forwards.

''We have a tight defence, a lot of experience and players capable of making a difference at any time,'' he said.

''We want to be in the final on July 9 and to do that, we have to beat Spain,'' he added. ''We will play them with respect but no fear.'' REUTERS DH KN2052