Blanc stays positive

France coach Laurent Blanc remains optimistic despite defeat to Sweden which left his side to face Spain in their European Championship quarter-final.

Les Bleus were beaten 2-0 by the already eliminated Scandinavians, allowing England - who beat co-hosts Ukraine 1-0 - to snatch top spot in Group D and earn a last-eight meeting with Italy rather than the reigning world and European champions.

"We are disappointed of course, we wanted a different result, but the most important thing is we qualified for the quarter-finals. Even though Sweden played well, they are going home tomorrow," Blanc said.

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