Spain have now won 17 of their last 18 competitive games as they cruised past a lacklustre France 2-0 and place in the last four of Euro 2012. Spain were workmanlike, but that was all that was required against an insipid France outfit who barely mustered a chance throughout the 90 minutes.
Xabi Alonso put Spain ahead in the 20th minute on his 100th appearance taking advantage of some slack marking to head powerfully past the French keeper Lloris.
Not that France came out of their shell but simply decided on a damage limitation exercise and a second half of constant Spain pressure ensured a one sided game.
But with just a one goal advantage there is always hope for the opposition but the French struggled to make any sort of impact aside from a Mathieu Debuchy header which went over the crossbar.
But in the final minute Spain sealed a comfortable victory, and amazingly their first ever competitive victory over their opponents, as Rodriguez Pedro was unfairly challenged by Anthony Reveillere inside the penalty area and Alonso scored his second of the night from 12 yards.
Spain will now meet Portugal in the semis for a place in the final.
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)
Venue: Donbass Arena, Donetsk
Attendance: 46,145
Spain scorers: Alonso 19, 90 (pen) France scorers:
Yellow cards: Ramos (SPA), Cabaye (FRA), Menez (FRA)
