France are looking to end a six-year hiatus of failing to qualify for the knockout stages of a major finals tonight and get the result they need against already eliminated Sweden in their Euro 2012 Group D match.

The signs are positive for Laurent Blanc’s side that they will both achieve their goal and extend their unbeaten run to 24 matches against what could be a demoralised side, pointless after two successive defeats.

The French could even lose and go through should England, who they lead on goal difference in the group with both on four points, beat co-hosts Ukraine in Donetsk.

However, under Blanc’s wise and steady guidance this is not a concept they would entertain.

They envisage victory and topping the group to set up a quarter-final against the runners-up of Group C, finishing runners-up would more than likely see them entertaining the unappetising prospect of defending champions Spain in the last eight.

Blanc said getting the monkey off their backs by winning their first game at a finals in six years in Friday’s 2-0 win over co-hosts Ukraine would do their confidence no end of good.

“We know just how hard it is to win a match at a major tournament, so the fact we played well and looked secure at the back is a good thing,” he said.

“We still need something from the third game though so we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. Let’s stay humble.”

Blanc’s only worry appears to be with one of the goalscorers from the Ukraine game, Yohan Cabaye, who complained about a twinge at the back of his thigh and was taken off as a precaution in the second half.

While Sweden may not have a place in the last eight to fight for, there will be a desire to at least bow out with a famous scalp not least for some of the ageing veterans such as defender Olof Mellberg, who is likely to retire from the national side after the finals.

Certainly if the Swedes show the same spirit and not a little skill as they did in the 3-2 loss to England, then the French could be in for a real battle.