Spain defeated France 2-0 in a highly charged quarter-final on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso scoring both goals on his 100th appearance for Spain.
Alonso struck in the 19th minute after Jordi Alba had outstripped Anthony Reveillere down the left leaving the defender slumped on the ground and put in a perfect cross for the former Liverpool star to head past Hugo Lloris, AFP reported.
France pressed to get the equaliser and went closest through a freekick from Yohan Cabaye which Iker Casillas tipped over the bar for a corner.
The second-half saw few clearcut chances for either side though Mathieu Debuchy went close with a flashing header that just cleared the Spanish bar.
However, the fight had gone out of the French by the time Spain were awarded a penalty in the 90th minute and Alonso converted it to give the score a more realistic look based on the dominance of the Spanish.
Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso shoots to score a penalty during the Euro 2012 football championships quarter-final match Spain vs France on June 23, 2012 at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk.
Spain are to play Portugal in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Euro 2012: Xabi Alonso leads Spain to semi-finals
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