Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny

Arsenal star prepared for a baptism of fire

Friday, June 22, 2012
7:47 AM

Laurent Koscielny is set to line up against Spain on Sunday in the Euro 2012 quarter final

Arseanl star Laurent Koscielny is relishing the prospect of playing his first game at a major tournament for France against World and European champions Spain.

The 26-year-old is set to replace the suspended Philippe Mexes, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the 2-0 defeat to Sweden – a result that confined Les Bleus to second place behind England.

“I didn’t think about his suspension, I was concentrating on the result,” Koscielny said.

“It was Olivier [Giroud] who told me.

“I feel good. I need to get a bit of rhythm, but I played (in the 2-0 friendly win) against Serbia. There won’t be any worries.

“There are all the ingredients for an unforgettable match. Lots of players dream of playing their first game at a Euros against the defending champions.”