Spain 2 France 0: Alonso double fires champions into semi-final showdown with Portugal as ranting Nasri sums up terrible night for the French

By JOE BERNSTEIN

Heading into the last four: Xabi Alonso sees his header fly into the net

France departed the European Championship finals with a whimper on the pitch and a foul-mouthed blast from Samir Nasri after a game in which they rarely challenged the might of Spain.
Xabi Alonso celebrated his 100th cap with both goals to keep La Roja on course for footballing immortality — and it was all too much for Nasri, Manchester City’s title-winning midfielder who came on in the second half but to little effect.
When asked for a comment on the French quarter-final exit, Nasri ranted: 'You’re always looking for stories — go **** yourself.'
He was doubtless frustrated that Spain did not need to be at their best to overcome a disappointingly negative France team in Donetsk and are now just 180 minutes away from becoming the first nation in history to win three major international tournaments in a row.

Playing without a recognised striker, the Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup winners relied on their Real Madrid midfielder to make the difference in a lacklustre last eight contest.
Alonso converted Jordi Alba’s cross to head Spain in front after 19 minutes and then sealed victory with a late penalty after substitute Pedro had been fouled.
In the ITV studio, former Anfield team-mate Jamie Carragher said of his former clubmate Alonso: 'It sickens me to see him in the red shirt of Spain, and not the red shirt of Liverpool. I’d love to have him back.'

Pure delight: Alonso celebrates his winner in Donetsk

In contrast, Chelsea’s £50million forward Fernando Torres was left on the bench until the 67th minute and did little after coming on to suggest he will be recalled for Wednesday’s semi-final clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
Victorious Spain coach Vicente del Bosque seemed happy enough with his striker-less formation which saw former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas deployed as a ‘false No9’.
Del Bosque said: ‘We were in control most of the time and France didn’t have any chances. It was an intense match and we needed to concentrate to win. But it was a fair result.’

On the spot: Xabi Alonso wraps up Spain's win with a late penalty

Another glory night: Spain players celebrate after Alonso's second goal

Frustration: Samir Nasi congratulates Spain's Jesus Navas after the game

France, who had lost their 23-match unbeaten run in their final group game against Sweden — a surprise 2-0 defeat — were rocked by team rows in the build-up to the match, which harked back to their miserable 2010 World Cup campaign under Raymond Domenech.
Current coach Laurent Blanc made four changes to stiffen up their defence but the tactic was blown apart when Andres Iniesta fed the overlapping Alba for the opening goal. The Valencia man chipped to the far post and the unmarked Alonso fooled Manchester City’s Gael Clichy and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to head into the net.

Battle: Adil Rami challenges Spain's Cesc Fabregas

French fingers pointed at Chelsea’s Florent Malouda, who allowed Alonso to run into the penalty area unimpeded, while Liverpool fans must have cursed the day Rafa Benitez sold their Spanish hero to Madrid in 2009.
Spain’s tiki-taka passing never hit the absolute heights but it did not matter as France rarely got the ball to danger men Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema.


On the run: Spain pair Gerard Pique and Alvaro Arbeloa try to keep up with Franck Ribery

Their best chance came after half an hour when Newcastle United’s Yohan Cabaye saw a curling free-kick saved by Iker Casillas. At the other end, Spain’s midfield players interchanged to great effect. Fabregas was foiled by Lloris when clean through while Iniesta dashed into the box after a one-two with Fabregas before shooting wide.
There was surprisingly little late drama for the neutrals who made up the vast majority of the Donbass Arena to enjoy, even when Nasri made a belated appearance as a 64th-minute sub and Torres entered the action a few minutes later.

My ball: France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris makes a save in front of Fabregas

Going close: Fance goalkeeper Lloris saves from Spain substitute Fernando Torres

Casillas’s only work in the closing stages came when he had to hold Ribery’s cross-shot with Jeremy Menez ready to pounce on the rebound.
Spain gave the final scoreline a slightly flattering feel when substitute Pedro was bundled over by Anthony Reveillere and Alonso emphatically scored from the spot.
'The team was phenomenal and, personally, I am very satisfied with the two goals,' said the 30-year-old goal hero. 'We didn’t have that many chances but we completely controlled the match.'

Another victory: Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque encourages his team

Plenty to ponder: It wasn't a night to remember for France coach Laurent Blanc

Former England striker Michael Owen tweeted afterwards: 'Nothing I’ve seen has made me change my mind. Spain to win it, beating either England or Germany in the final.'
And despite Spain failing to display the same form as two years ago in South Africa, it would be a brave man to bet against them. Striker, or no striker.


Fan-tastic: Spain supporters outside the Bernabeu Stadium





source: dailymail