Spain hit eight goals in their three games in Group H and their starting striker Fernando Torres, with his three goals so far, is racing for the Golden Boot award.

"Spain have big attacking potentials," France right-back Willy Sagnol said in an interview published by French paper Le Figaro.

"They can impose their rhythm on the field through the efforts of their hard-working and excellent midfielders."

The Bayern Munich man believes shutting down spaces in the midfield will be the key to overcoming Spain.

"We will have to reduce spaces. This means it will be more difficult for them to produce their short passes in the midfield," Sagnol said.

"This won't let the likes of Xavi, Xavi Alonso and Senna play at ease. If we left them controlling the ball we will be forced to run too much in vain."

France failed to impress so far as they finished Group G in second place behind Switzerland with just three goals and only one victory from the group stage.

However, the former World Champions still eye laying the 2002 World Cup to rest and go as far as possible in this tournament.

Although Lillian Thuram agreed with Sagnol's views, the Juventus defender highlighted the importance of the winning spirit in such a tight contest.

"Spain are an incredibly dangerous side who constantly look to attack you," Thuram told FIFAworldcup.com.

"In such tight affairs, the winner is invariably the side whose desire is greater. And let me tell you, we have that desire coursing through our veins so I believe we'll be alright."