France nodded for a re-match against Spain in the Quarter-Finals of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup even though Spain have not even tipped off their Round of 16 match against the team Senegal.

"It's pretty sure that Spain will win. So, once again Spain, and once again it will be a fight. We have three days to prepare for this game. France and Spain is like a classico game and everybody is waiting for it," said France's Mickael Gelabale after his team kicked off Croatia with a 69-64 in the Round of 16 in Madrid.

Les Bleus had to entertain plenty of questions about a re-match against Spain, who defeat the European champions 88-64 in the first round play in Group A.

"It's a big derby with Spain. The last game we didn't play so great. I think we'll do better this time," added Joffrey Lauvergne.

The French big man list down a number of things the team will want to improve upon in a Quarter-Final against the host of the tournament, noting poor defense on their fast break, rebounding and defense on their big.

It was a big game and we are so happy to be in the Quarter-Finals -Gelabale

France showed character in prevailing in a tough, low-scoring battle with Croatia.

"It was a tough game for us. In the first half it was a defensive game. The second half was way better for us. We made shots and defended way better and we got this victory," Gelabale added.

When asked what the team did well against Croatia that will help against Spain, the 31-year-old said: "We defended pretty well. We have to keep going. We know it's going to be more difficult if we play Spain. But we have nothing to lose. All of the pressure is on them."

(Source: 2014 FIBA World Championship Official Website)