Spain vs. France: Highlighting the 4 Most Important Players in the Quarterfinals

The last time Spain was eliminated from either the World Cup or the European Championships was six years ago in Germany. Their undoing? The French.

Now, six years and two major trophies later, the Spanish get a chance to redeem their 1-3 defeat at the hand of the French in the 2006 World Cup.

The Spanish enter as heavy favorites, just as they did six years ago, when they went undefeated in Group play before being upended. France is no slouch, however, having gone 23 games without being beaten, prior to their 0-2 loss against Sweden.

With history and personal vendettas both on the line, this is sure to be a physical, intense game, showcasing some of the world's most talented players. Here are the four who will have the biggest say on the game's outcome:

Franck Ribery (FRA)

When Spain took a 1-0 lead on France in the 2006 World Cup, it was Ribery who scored the equalizer, sparking the rally that would eventually lead to a 3-1 victory.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris may wear the captain's band, but make no mistake about it: Ribery is France's leader. After Cristiano Ronaldo, he's probably the most talented left winger on the planet, and even that competition isn't as lopsided as one might think.

The Spanish love to control possession, but we saw against the English, the French are capable of holding the ball too. Whereas the French are a reasonable facsimile of their opponent in possession, Ribery gives them a quick-attacking wing threat that the Spanish lack.

Spain plays a plodding, methodical game, holding the ball and waiting for the defense to open up a crease. Ribery can create a goal in a fraction of the time. And he might need to.

Fernando Torres (ESP)

Torres was the breakout star of the last European Championship, scoring the winning goal in the final, and vaulting himself into international superstardom.

Since then, his career has been a little uneven, mixing good seasons with off-form seasons in the Premier League.

He seemed to find some form again for Chelsea in 2011, but he has struggled in Euro 2012. He's still as savvy as he's ever been, finding creative creases to slip through. His finishing, though, has been suspect at best, costing them three points against Italy.

France won't give up as many chances as a team like Ireland, and they're a much bigger threat to score. Torres can't squander any opportunities.

Hugo Lloris (FRA)

The young French goalkeeper will play a pivotal role in keeping the Spanish off the board.

While many of Spain's goals come off passing exhibitions and breakaways that can't be saved, they also like to fire a lot of shots from distance.

Lloris not only has to save everything from distance, he needs to keep the ball from ricocheting back into the box.

His counterpart, Iker Casillas, has been in rare form so far this tournament. Overmatched on the field for the first time in a long time, the French will need to have the advantage in net to pull off the stunner.

David Silva (ESP)

Spain is the consummate team, with every member of its lineup playing their particular role to perfection. Iniesta finds creative seams in the defense to run through. Xavi finds creative ways to put the ball through the defense. Torres finds creative ways to miss wide open nets. Everyone has a role.

But it's Silva, the diminutive midfielder from Manchester City, more than anybody else, who makes the Spanish engine run.

Silva's job is a thankless one. The Spanish attack is basically the same a FC Barcelona's, only Silva has been subbed in for the world's best player, Lionel Messi. Silva is not the player Messi is, but he's the closest approximation the world has for the brilliant Argentinian.

He is their best bet to connect with Andres Iniesta on a game-breaking score.