Euro 2012: Defending champion Spain beat France 2-0, reach semi final
Donetsk: 
Spain beat France 2-0 to reach Euro 2012 semi-finals. Xabi Alonso celebrated his 100th appearance for Spain with both goals in the defending champions' 2-0 win over a tame French side in their Euro 2012 quarter-final with France here on Saturday.
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.
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.
Spain play Portugal in Wednesday's semi-final.
Spain beat France 2-0 to reach Euro 2012 semi-finals. Xabi Alonso celebrated his 100th appearance for Spain with both goals in the defending champions' 2-0 win over a tame French side in their Euro 2012 quarter-final with France here on Saturday.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.
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.
Spain play Portugal in Wednesday's semi-final.
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