Centurion excels as Spain cruise into Euro 2012 semi-finals
Last Updated: June 23, 2012 10:40pm
Xabi Alonso: Kept his nerve from the spot having earlier given Spain the lead
Sky Bet
Xabi Alonso described his team's 2-0 win over France as "phenomenal" after scoring both Spain goals in his 100th appearance for his country.
Alonso
converted Jordi Alba's first-half cross before sealing the victory with an injury-time penalty after Pedro was felled by Anthony Reveillere.
converted Jordi Alba's first-half cross before sealing the victory with an injury-time penalty after Pedro was felled by Anthony Reveillere.
Considering this was a Euro 2012 quarter-final, it was a limp display from Laurent Blanc's France side and as a result the world and European champions rarely had to get into full stride.
Vicente del Bosque's men were content to contain and did so brilliantly as they completely neutralised the French threat.
It made for a happy occasion for the 30-year-old Real Madrid midfielder who admitted it was comfortable for his side.
midfielder who admitted it was comfortable for his side.
"The team was phenomenal and personally I am very satisfied with the two goals," said Alonso.
"We didn't have that many chances but we completely controlled the match."
Spain will now continue the defence of the trophy when they play Portugal in Donetsk on Wednesday.
"The most important step is the next one," concluded Alonso. "We know all about Cristiano. But we are not afraid.
"We are now in the semis and of course all the games at this stage are life and death."
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