Spain vs. France takes place Saturday in Euro 2012's third quarter final. It should be an intriguing encounter, but Spain are firm favorites to win this one. France had seemingly started to get their team unity together again, but in recent days rumors of dissension have once again been surfacing, and that could undermine their chances. The game kicks off at 2.45 p.m. EST and can be watched live on ESPN 2 or online through live stream ESPN3 (details below).

France were unbeaten for an amazing 23 games prior to their defeat against Sweden in their final group game. But opposite to Portugal, who seem to have found their best form as the knock out stages arrived, France seem to be a team in decline and in renewed turmoil.

The way in which France succumbed to Sweden in their last game was surprising, and was the worst preparation they could have had for today's quarter final. That result caused France to finish second in Group D behind England, and therefore set up a quarter final meeting with Spain, a team most would want to avoid at this stage in the tournament. The world and European champions are favorites for Euro 2012 perhaps along with Germany.

However, France can play and if they can just get their unity and team work together again they could pose a serious threat to Spain. France with remember beating Spain 3-1 in their quarter final encounter in the 2006 World Cup. Amazingly that game was the last time in which Spain conceded a goal in the knock out stages of a major tournament. They have since won Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 without conceding a single goal in the knock out stages.

Although they've had their critics in the tournament until now, Spain still scored the most goals and conceded the fewest out of all the teams in Euro 2012 during the group stages.

Spain vs. France kicks off at 2.45 p.m. EST and can be watched live on ESPN 2 or through online live streaming on ESPN3 by clicking HERE.

Tags: euro 2012 European Championship