Spain 2-0 France
Defending champions Spain have sealed their place in the Semi Final, easily accounting for France as the Quarter Final's move to Ukraine. Xabi Alonso scored both goals in his 100th international appearance, and that was enough for the Spaniard's to get over the line against a lacklustre French outfit.
In a slightly drab contest with few chances, Spain took the lead on 19 minutes. Jordi Alba waltzed to the byline before picking out Alonso in the middle with a pinpoint cross. Alonso managed to head the ball back across the keeper and into the corner of the net with a fine finish.
France hardly tested the Spaniard's in a one-sided first half, with Yohan Cabaye's free kick their only effort on goal.
France, despite gaining more possession throughout the second half, lacked the intensity and urgency to trouble the reigning World and European champions. Meanwhile Spain's ability to pass the ball so fluently throughout midfield was an underlying factor in their win.
Pedro came off the bench to win a stoppage time penalty when he was bundled over by Anthony Reveillere inside the box. Alonso stepped up to calmly place an unstoppable penalty into the very corner of the goal to confirm a comfortable 2-0 win.
Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque told reporters after the game that his side were mentally and physically drained, however there remained no signs of that in an easy victory over a highly rated side.
Spain will now play Portugal in the first Semi Final, while France will lick their wounds following a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign which had promised so much.
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