Blanc Admits French Row

France coach Laurent Blanc admits angry words were exchanged between his players following the defeat to Sweden in their final Euro 2012 group game, but insists the incident was not serious.

Les Bleus lost 2-0 to the already-eliminated Swedes in Kiev, ending a run of 23 games unbeaten under Blanc.

The French still advanced to the quarter-finals as runners up of Group D behind England, but now face a last-eight meeting with holders and reigning world champions Spain on Saturday.

Striker Olivier Giroud revealed after Tuesday's defeat that "a shouting match" had erupted in the French dressing room.

Blanc did not dispute his version of events, but played down the significance of the incident.

"When there's a victory, you accept things more and you're happier," said the France coach.

"When you've lost, you're more hot-blooded. It got heated, but we all cooled down after a good shower.

"It kicked off a bit because all the players felt that everyone hadn't given everything. To win matches, you have to play them and play them well.

"I don't know if it's because we've got a fairly young squad. When you feel something, you have to say it, and it's not just down to the technical staff.

"They have to say things between each other, because it can be constructive. It shows that there's a reaction, and a bit of electricity. I hope that there will be some against Spain, but in the right sense."

Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny, who is expected to deputise for suspended stopper Philippe Mexes against Spain, was also asked about the flare-up in the French changing room and he said the players had already put it behind them.

"We said things to each other in the changing room, but what's said is said and we'll keep it in the group," he said.

"It was a complicated match, but the most important thing was qualification (for the quarter-finals). We would have preferred to qualify with a win, but these things happen.

"We have to turn the page. I think everyone's moved on now and we have to remain united, as we have been since the start of the training camp."