Spain vs. France Live Stream: Online Viewing Info for Quarterfinals

There are only six teams alive for the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine this summer, and that number is sure to shrink after the tournament's third quarterfinal matchup between international football powerhouses Spain and France.

Spain won Group C thanks to its exceptional passing game, while France finished second to England in Group D, causing a stir among some of the French players. Both squads will need to be at their absolute best on Saturday, though, if they are going to have any chance of being named European champions this July. 

Where: Donbass Arena, Donetsk, Ukraine

When: Saturday, June 23, 2:45 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN2, ESPN3.com, ESPNDeportes

Live Streaming: ESPN3.com

Biggest Storyline: Will Spain Stay Alive as First Team to Repeat at Euro?

No team in the history of the European Championship has ever repeated as champions four years later. Spain will look to become the first in 2012, but will first need to get past a challenging France squad, who is disappointed not to have won Group D ahead of England. 

The Spanish passing will keep them in the game no matter how poorly they play in the final third, but anything can happen against an opponent as loaded with talent as the French. 

Player to Watch for Spain: Fernando Torres

Torres has two goals through three games at Euro 2012 and can put the ball past the goalkeeper from nearly any angle when he is in top form. Torres usually brings much more energy and influence to the final third when he is included in the starting lineup rather than being brought on late as a substitute. 

Player to Watch for France: Samir Nasri

Manchester City's Samir Nasri is one of the top talents on the French squad, having already scored once at Euro 2012. Nasri also has a knack for creating unique opportunities for others with his brilliant passing. He'll be one to keep an eye on in Saturday's quarterfinal matchup with Spain. 

Key Matchup: Fernando Torres vs. French Back Line

Torres torched the Irish for two goals in Spain's second Group Stage matchup this June, and although the Republic of Ireland were arguably the worst team to qualify for Euro 2012, the Spanish forward proved he has world class finishing ability. 

France will need to hold tight in the back and avoid allowing so many chances like they did in its Group Stage finale defeat to Sweden. The French back line looked to be in shambles the last time we saw them, so that must change if they are to get a win over the reigning European and World Cup champions. 

What They're Saying

Having too much talent to choose from is a good problem to have for Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque: 

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"I have always had 23 great players who are important for their clubs, and I can't use all of them." - via ESPN.com

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France coach Laurent Blanc is not blind to Spain's brilliant passing game:

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"Spain are a little bit further on than us and will have 65 to 70% of the possession in a game. That is a problem for any side to deal with." - via ESPN.com

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Prediction

The French had high expectations coming into Euro 2012 after arriving with an 18-match unbeaten streak, but their Group Stage final loss to Sweden suggests they have conflict within their own side. Spain may not repeat in 2012, but it will top France and make the semifinals.

Spain 2, France 1