Blanc admits to France changing-room row

France coach Laurent Blanc admitted on Wednesday that angry words were exchanged by his players after their loss to Sweden at Euro 2012, but played down the significance of the incident. France fell 2-0 to Sweden in their final Group D match in Kiev, bringing an end to their proud 23-game unbeaten run and sending them into a quarter-final with holders and reigning world champions Spain on Saturday. Striker Olivier Giroud told reporters after Tuesday's loss to the Swedes that there had been "a shouting match" in the French changing room and Blanc did not dispute his version of events. "When there's a victory, you accept things more and you're happier," he told journalists at a press conference in Donetsk. "When you've lost, you're more hot-blooded. It got heated, but we all cooled down after a good shower. "It kicked off a bit because all the players felt that everyone hadn't given everything. To win matches, you have to play them and play them well. "I don't know if it's because we've got a fairly young squad. When you feel something, you have to say it, and it's not just down to the technical staff. "They have to say things between each other, because it can be constructive. It shows that there's a reaction, and a bit of electricity. I hope that there will be some against Spain, but in the right sense." A booking for Philippe Mexes against Sweden means that he will miss the match against Spain in Kiev, with Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny expected to deputise at the heart of the French defence. Koscielny was also asked about the flare-up in the French changing room and he said the players had already put it behind them.