Euro 2012: Laurent Blanc urges France not to take ‘eye off ball’

Laurent Blanc is not taking final Group D opponents Sweden lightly as he looks to guide France into the Euro 2012 knockout stages.

Les Bleus need just a draw to ensure their quarter-final place and face a Sweden side who are guaranteed to finish bottom of the group and have not beaten France since 1969.

France followed up a 1-1 draw against England with a 2-0 win over co-hosts Ukraine to top the group and Blanc has called for focus heading into tonight’s clash in Kiev.

“There is always fear you might take your eye off the ball so it is up to us to be very serious in the way we prepare for the game,” he said. “We need to be aware of what we need to achieve. We were very happy after the Ukraine game but while we are playing against a side who have not qualified they will still go out to win the game.”

The triumph against Ukraine on Friday was France’s first win at a major tournament since the semi-final of the 2006 World Cup when they beat Portugal.

But they are serious contenders in Poland and Ukraine after going on a 23-match unbeaten run under Blanc, who confirmed midfielder Yohan Cabaye is a slight doubt for tonight’s clash.

Blanc added: “The more games you play the more pressure you feel. You need to be able to manage it well. I think we are very well prepared in terms of our fitness. We are also getting better technically. The players are all prepared.”

Sweden coach Erik Hamren feels that with merely pride to play for, his side can enjoy their final game of the tournament.

“We don’t have anything to lose and can go out there and perform,” said Hamren, who will be without injured striker Johan Elmander.