France started Euro 2012 as outside favourites but their uninspiring exit made a mockery of their tag as dark horses for the tournament.
Their elimination was confirmed by a 2-0 quarter-final defeat by Spain,dealing a blow to the country's hopes of restoring their pride in the national team.Laurent Blanc's side had been on an upward curve following the nightmare of the 2010 World Cup when they went out at the group stage following rows and in-fighting.
They had come into Euro 2012 on the back of an unbeaten 20-match run but a 2-0 loss to Sweden in their final group game caused unrest and disrupted their preparations to face a Spain side who brushed them aside with ease.
The much-lauded striker Karim Benzema failed to score, winger Franck Ribery struggled to shine and playmaker Samir Nasri was dropped for the defeat by Spain.
The manner of their elimination was as unceremonious as it was unexpected and left Les Bleus red-faced.
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