Fifty-fifty chance is laid in the expected tough duel between soccer giants Spain and France in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup.

The game, kicking off in Hanover on Tuesday night, is the last clash of the first round of the knockout stage, and it must be a breath-taking match for both despite their war of words.

Both sides are full of skilful world-class players and play artistic football. The win or die is likely to depend on who can catch one scoring chance.

The difference between the two teams is that France rely on ageing stars while Spain have many young talents.

Spain's coach Luis Aragones has set the strategy of ball control and decided to field experienced captain Raul and young talent midfielder Cesc Fabregas to fulfil the task.

Raul, who celebrates his 29th birthday on the day of the match, has a score to settle with France after missing a last-minute penalty when Spain lost 2-1 to France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2000.

The Real Madrid striker is Spain's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals and will make his 99th international appearance against France.

Raul, who often sat on the bench in Spain's Group H matches, will replace Luis Garcia to start, while 19-year-old Fabregas will replace marcos Senna.

"I'm only changing the team in order to strengthen an aspect that will help us win the game," said Aragones, adding, "For us it is vital to have the ball and with these two it will be easier to do that."

Fabregas caught the eye this season with his impressive performances against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals when he outplayed former Arsenal team mate Patrick Vieira who is a key figure in the French midfield.

Aragones said,"My bags are still unpacked and I've even left my shaving kit in the bathroom in Kamen (Spain's World Cup base)."

Spain topped Group H with three wins, 4-0 over Ukraine, 3-1 over Tunisia and 1-0 over Saudi Arabia.

France finished runners-up in Group G, drawing winners Switzerland 0-0, tying South Korea 1-1, beating Togo 2-0.

"Maybe it's a good thing that Spain believe they're the favorites," France midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo said, adding,"Let them be confident."

"Maybe they believe we will lose," said France defender Eric Abidal. "Maybe they were better than us in the group stage but it will get harder for them now."

France have played Spain 27 times, recording 10 victories, 11 defeats and six draws.

The two neighbors have never met them on the World Cup stage and Spain will be chasing their first victory over the French in the finals of a major tournament.

Suspended pair Zinedine Zidane and Eric Abidal will return for the match. Abidal looks certain to replace Mikael Silvestre at left-back.

France coach Raymond Domenech must decide how to set up his team after midfielder Patrick Vieira excelled in the playmaking role against Togo.

Vieira scored the opener and made the second for Thierry Henry in a match France had to win by two clear goals to be sure of progressing to the last 16.

Source: Xinhua