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Spain Feel the Pain, as France Beat Former World Champions

Spain’s rebuilding following its shambolic World Cup got off to a bad start as France was barely tested on the way to a well deserved win in their friendly Thursday night.

France had an effort from Karim Benzema ruled out for offside early in the second half and scored in the 72nd minute when winger Mathieu Valbuena set up substitute Loic Remy for his sixth international goal.

With all-time leading scorer David Villa among the big names to have retired from international football, Spain looked tame in attack against World Cup quarterfinalist France, which fielded a strong side.

Spain didn’t make any serious effort at goal until the 83rd minutes as David Silva’s shot drifted just wide, but otherwise failed to hit the target once.

Altogether, five Spaniards made their debuts at Stade de France, including Athletic Bilbao defensive midfielder Ander Iturraspe and Valencia forward Paco Alcacer in the second half.

Only three prominent players from Spain’s glory era started: Midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Busquets, and center half Sergio Ramos – meaning Spain looked fragile. Fabregas did some damage, particularly when running at the heart of France’s defense, but lacked support.

With veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the reserves, David de Gea made only his third appearance despite having played for Atletico and Manchester United for five years.