France vs. Belarus: Live Stream, TV Info & More for 2014 World Cup Qualifier

The last time France and Belarus met in Euro 2012 qualifying back in 2010, the Belarusian side shocked Les Blues, beating them 1-0.

I wouldn't expect a repeat of that result this time around.

France responded to that loss with a 23-game unbeaten streak, only to fall in the quarterfinals at this summer's Euros. Surely, this French side will not make the mistake of underestimating Belarus or taking a win for granted. 

With Spain looming in Group I and just one automatic World Cup qualification spot from the group, Les Bleus know they need to earn the three points in every match before La Roja come calling. Let's take a closer look at this European clash.

Where: Paris, France

When: Tuesday, September 11 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN3

Most Important Player to Watch: Abou Diaby, France

The Arsenal man is once again fit and healthy, meaning the good news travels from North London to France.

Diaby is an essential cog in the France midfield. He scored the lone goal in France's 1-0 win over Finland on Friday, and his box-to-box play is vital to control possession and fuel the attack forward in the French 4-3-3.

Diaby was excellent for Arsenal on the counter-attack against Liverpool in the Gunners last match, driving through the midfield on the counter-attack. He offers the same presence for Les Bleus, and should he be fit after a short lay-off will be the player to watch for France.

Key Matchup: Karim Benzema vs. the Belarusian Defense 

Benzema often amazes and frustrates simultaneously. He moves extremely well without the ball and puts himself in good positions to score. But his finishing can be less than clinical, and at times he plays more like a winger or a roaming forward than he does like a true striker.

Still, he cannot be ignored. Belarus will likely drop into a defensive shell, knowing France is much more skilled. Trying to man-mark players like Benzema and Franck Ribéry is almost impossible given how much the French front line rotates positions, but losing track of Benzema and allowing him to find pockets of space will cost Belarus dearly.

France should own the majority of possession. Whether or not they are able to take advantage of that will depend on where they find Benzema in the attack and how he finishes his opportunities.

What They're Saying

Despite the 1-0 win over Finland, manager Didier Deschamps wants to see more potency in the French attack. It will be all the more important if Belarus sink back into a shell and look to counter-attack.

From AFP (via The Sun Daily): 

"

"We have to improve the quality of our crosses and we have to be able to put more first-time balls into the box," said the France coach.

"But we also need more presence in the area. When Benzema plays on the flanks, one of the two wide players has to come into the area.

"I don't want to force Benzema to play against his nature though. Staying in a fixed position is not his game."

"

There is no reason that France shouldn't create plenty of chances in this one. A 1-0 win is still a win, but I'm sure France would like to put themselves at ease by scoring more than a lone goal.

Prediction

There is too much talent for Belarus to overcome in this matchup. France won't take Belarus lightly after the events of two years ago, and they'll turn a dominant hold on possession into a safer outcome than the 1-0 win over Finland. France gets the three points, winning 2-0.

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