Alonso the executioner

Sunday 24 June 2012

SPAIN set up an all-Iberian semi-final against neighbours Portugal last night after overcoming a fractured French side as the champions remained on course to retain their European crown with a languid 2-0 win.

abi Alonso's textbook header capped the Real Madrid player's 100th appearance Photograph: Getty

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Vincente del Bosque's side rediscovered the swagger that was so clearly missing against Croatia in the final Group C qualifying clash despite opting to revisit the controversial formation that saw them play without a recognised striker.

In the end, the coup de grace that put France to the sword was delivered not by a familiar goalmouth predator such as Fernando Torres – dropped to the bench again – but a midfield matador in the shape of Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool player capped a century of appearances for his country with a textbook headed goal in the 18th minute that put them in the driving seat and left France playing catch-up in the Donbass Arena in Donetsk.And the French, riven by talk of dressing-room fall-outs and managerial squabbles, simply could not make up the ground.His second goal from the penalty spot after Pedro was upended by Anthony Reveillere was merely the cherry on top of the Madeira cake for the sassy senors.This was a victory for the football purists as Spain, using the Barcelona template for total football, offered up another master class in how to frustrate opponents in the art of ball retention – while giving the impression that they still had plenty in their locker if required.Yes, it can sometimes become dull without a cutting edge but with a midfield that includes Alonso, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, chances are carved out with menacing frequency.Typically, it was these three amigos who asserted their authority early on, and it was Iniesta's vision that began the move for Spain's opener. The Barcelona player picked put left-back Jordi Alba down the flank and he showed good footwork to leave Mathieu Debuchy floundering before firing in an inch-perfect cross that found Alonso unmarked at the back post. He blended composure with craft to direct a powerful header back across the Portuguese goal to wrongfoot keeper Hugo Lloris and make it advantage Spain.It was no more than the Spanish deserved, having already pulled France this way and that, piecing together a patient attack and even opting not to swing in a cross when David Villa twisted his way into the box.Villa ran at Manchester City team-mate Gael Clichy and almost picked out the recalled Cesc Fabregas when he cut the ball back. France were wobbling and their cause was not helped by the sight of Karim Benzema – the only striker on the pitch – firing a dreadful free-kick over the bar before Fabregas lofted a delightful pass towards Iniesta, which Laurent Koscielny did well to intercept.When France won a second free-kick near the Spanish box, Yohan Cabaye took over the responsibility and forced Iker Casillas into a smart save.Casillas then caused just a brief moment of panic when he dropped the subsequent corner, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper recovered quickly.France, who lacked urgency and barely seemed at the races at times, left Gerard Pique unmarked from a corner and were fortunate the Barcelona defender missed the target.Les Bleus, playing in all white, emerged from the break and immediately looked ready to up the ante. The first wake-up call came when Franck Ribery made ground on the left and slung in a cross which Mathieu Debuchy headed powerfully on to the roof of the net. That flash of danger finally appeared to wake Laurent Blanc's side from its torpor and provided the kind of injection needed if they were to avoid a flight back to Paris later today.Their revival coincided with the introductions of Samir Nasri – a petty omission from the starting line-up – for Florent Malouda and Jeremy Menez for Debuchy.And their energy provided the sweet tonic France needed, the main beneficiary being Franck Ribery who forced a good stop from Casillas low down at the post. Truthfully, though, this was the last flare from the French shipwreck.With Torres now restored and Pedro also on for a brief but glittering cameo, Spain simply twisted the blade that bit further by regaining control having allowed their less skilful opponents a few minutes in the spotlight.France simply left their joie de vivre in the group stages and were poorly served by the likes of Karim Benzema who looked like a man facing the gallows.Fittingly, it was left to Alonso to pronounce the death sentence on French involvement in the tournament, appropriate really since he acted as judge, jury and executioner throughout. Now Portugal and a certain CristianoRonaldo lie in wait – with the final countdown well and truly ticking.

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Alonso the executioner

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