Having diffused dressing-room tensions after losing 2-0 to Sweden in their final group game, Les Bleus set their sights firmly on the world and European champions.
"We discussed this [the tensions] with the players involved deep into the night after the game," coach Laurent Blanc told a news conference on Friday.
"It was important to disperse the bad vibes. It has been done intelligently," said captain Hugo Lloris.
"But two days after the game, we were preparing the game against Spain," Blanc added.
"At least there is one stat in our favour. But things have changed for us and for Spain," said Blanc.
"Let's hope that it remains in our favour for two or three more days."
"It is when they are not playing that you realise how these players are important," the coach said.
"His technical qualities really help the team."
Cabaye brings attacking flair to France's game while Yann M'Vila has a more defensive role.
M'Vila, however, is likely to start again with Alou Diarra and Cabaye in midfield and France know they will be forced to defend for long periods.
"Nobody has invented a strategy to deny Spain. When do you have to adapt to your opponent's game? When they have the ball and with Spain, it's roughly 65, 70 per cent of the time," Blanc said.
"What you have to do is make the most of the remaining third to develop your own football."
"It is not all about Karim Benzema. We have to understand that. We saw that in the previous game, Sweden were just better as a team," said Blanc who also has defensive worries.
"He will be out to prove that he is not there by accident," said Lloris and Blanc agreed.
"He was actually very close to making it to the starting central defence. We knew that by taking only three centre-backs to the competition he would be likely to play at some point," the coach said.
