Spain coach Vicente del Bosque feels the winner of tonight's clash with France will be on their way to the 2014 World Cup.
Both Spain and France head into the clash at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon stadium with 100% records from their opening two matches.
Del Bosque said: "We want to take a step closer to qualification. It seems that one of the two countries will qualify in top spot and so it becomes a knock-out cup tie.
"When we finish this match there will still be a lot to play for, but it seems these two matches against the French are vital."