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Saturday, June 23, 2012
 Full Time
Spain
2
 
0
France
X. Alonso  19' 1-0 
X. Alonso  (Pen)  90' 2-0 
HT: 1-0
Donbass Arena (Attendance: 46,145)
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli
Preview  |  Stats  |  Match Report
CommentaryLineupsPlayer Stats Events Shotchart
Spain vs. France
Minute Commentary
90' NOT LIVED UP TO THE HYPE
For the neutrals, this was possibly the most anticipated of all the quarter finals. However, it didn't live up to the hype. Spain barely had to break a sweat, whereas France never looked like they were in it. The Spanish were in control for much of the first half, and went ahead through Xabi Alonso's well-taken header after a good Jordi Alba cross. France never looked like hitting back, but similarly Spain didn't look like scoring a second. In the second half, the French came out and spent more time on the attack but were the masters of their own undoing, with every move breaking down without a real Spanish challenge. The victory was sealed in the dying stages when Anthony Reveillere bundled into the back of Pedro, who went down in the box. Xabi Alonso calmly dispatched the penalty for his second goal, and that was that. Spain have yet to hit top gear in this tournament, and France have not looked the same since their victory over Ukraine. Spain must now be favourites to retain their title, and the French fans will see this as another poor tournament performance.
90' FULL TIME
Spain go through, and France go home. Final score Spain 2, France 0.
90' ADDED TIME
Four minutes are belatedly shown on the board. Not enough time for France, however.
90' GAME OVER
That's it for France. A cool penalty from Alonso, sending Lloris the wrong way and scoring a simple penalty. A rare double for the former Liverpool man, and the score stands at Spain 2, France 0.
90' GOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!!
XABI ALONSO SIDEFOOTS HOME TO SEAL THE VICTORY!
90' PENALTY
Pedro is floored in the area by Anthony Reveillere and the referee points to the spot.
88' RUNNING OUT OF TIME
This tie is slowly slipping away from France. They haven't pulled up any trees, but then again neither have Spain. Portugal could give either of these sides a real game.
85' LOOKING AHEAD
So Portugal are up next for the winners of this game. As it stands, they will be facing Span, and what neutral fan wouldn't want to see that?
84' SPAIN SUBSTITUTION
A straight swap in midfield, with Andres Iniesta leaving the field and Santi Cazorla taking his place.
82' FORWARD IN NUMBERS
France are really pressing here, knowing that they are coming into the all or nothing stage of the game.
80' OFFSIDE
Fernando Torres gets through on goal after a great through ball from Jordi Alba, but the Chelsea man is flagged offside. Hugo Lloris had made himself big to stop the shot regardless.
79' FRANCE SUBSTITUTION
A final throw of the dice for France, with striker Olivier Giroud replacing holding midfielder Yann M'Vila.
77' CONTENT TO HOLD IT
The Spanish seem happy to hold the ball and not push for a second goal. With over 10 minutes to go in this game, that could be a dangerous strategy.
76' BOOKING
Jeremy Menez is booked for dissent after being penalised for a challenge on Sergio Busquets.
73' ALL THEIR OWN DOING
France have been the much better side in this second half, but they themselves are the only reason that they aren't even. Spain have not defended particularly well, and France are just lacking the killer final ball.
71' SMART STOP
Ribery uses all of his pace to get into the box and cross the ball low for Menez, but Iker Casillas gathers the ball at the second time of asking.
69' GOOD CROSS`
Pedro sends in a low ball from the left aimed at Fernando Torres, but Laurent Koscielny just gets his toes to it to clear.
69' ALL OR NOTHING
With the substitutions that France have made, they are clearly chasing this game. Benzema, Menez, Ribery and Nasri are all capable of causing real problems.
67' ANOTHER SPANISH CHANGE
Cesc Fabregas is withdrawn, and on comes Fernando Torres.
65' SPANISH SUBSTITUTION
Pedro comes on for his first appearance of the tournament, with David Silva being withdrawn.
64' DOUBLE FRANCE CHANGE
Florent Malouda and Mathieu Debuchy leave the field, with Jeremy Menez and Samir Nasri replacing them. An attacking move by Laurent Blanc.
64' TERRIBLE
France do well down the left through Malouda, but his ball finds Benzema who blazes over from 30 yards.
62' DANGER AGAIN
Ribery causes more problems, bursting into the area and giving the ball to Florent Malouda, who is bundled off the ball.
61' CLOSE!
That man Ribery sends in a cross from the left and Mathieu Debuchy gets his head to it, but his effort grazes the top of the bar.
60' IMPRESSIVE
Franck Ribery is the man at the heart of every France move at the moment. Spain need to keep their eye on him or he will hurt them.
57' SETTLED
The game has slowed once again and the play is currently in the middle of the park. France are still looking to move forward but Spain seem more confident in dealing with them.
55' SHAKEN
France are continuing to press and for the first time tonight, Spain don't seem sure how to handle them.
52' GETTING BETTER
France are slowly but surely fighting their way back into this. Benzema and Ribery are combining well, but their final balls are lacking.
51' OUCH
Xabi Alonso and Florent Malouda both trip over when jostling for a header, and Alonso catches a stray arm to the face. Painful.
49' MISSING MEN
The French midfield have been anonymous tonight. Yann M'Vila and Florent Malouda in particular have been poor, and you have to think that we will see Samir Nasri sooner rather than later.
47' MUCH THE SAME
Spain are dominating the play, much as they did in the first half. France do not look as if half time made a bit of difference to them.
46' KICK OFF
Spain start the second half. No changes for either side.
45' IN CONTROL
Spain are ahead in this match, and if the first half is anything to go by, then France aren't going to threaten them too much. The world champions have looked composed and have had all of the chances, going ahead when Jordi Alba was given far too much time to cross for the incoming Xabi Alonso to head home. France have continued in the same way that they finished against Sweden, tired and lethargic, and if there are to be any more goals in this game then they look most likely to come from Spain.
45' HALF TIME
The referee ends the half. Spain 1, France 0.
45' ADDED TIME
One minute is shown by the fourth official.
45' COMING TO LIFE
The fans haven't been the most vocal in this game, but all of a sudden they burst into noise as Xavi approaches a free kick. He hits it straight down the throat of Lloris, though, and the crowd sound disappointed.
42' BOOKING
Yohan Cabaye is shown the yellow card for clattering into Sergio Busquets. In other news, Franck Ribery now has a new shirt on.
41' SORT IT OUT
The French marking needs to improve here. A moment ago, Pique was able to rise and meet a corner cleanly, and now David Silva is able to pick up the ball and run without any problems.
39' WARDROBE MALFUNCTION
Franck Ribery is currently walking around with a rip in his shirt from the armpit down. I don't think the look will catch on any time soon.
38' GOOD RUN
Spain play some more brilliant football, with Cesc Fabregas dinking a little ball into the area for Andres Iniesta to run on to. Laurent Koscielny does well to come back and defend.
36' NIGGLES
Little battles are beginning to develop all over the pitch, and at the moment the referee is giving the free kicks in favour of France.
35' SETTLED
The game is being played in midfield at the moment, but Spain still look the more likely side to make something happen.
32' SAVE
This time, Yohan Cabaye takes the kick and forces a good stop from Iker Casillas.
31' BOOKING
Sergio Ramos is booked for a body-check on Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid striker has another free kick in a similar position to his last effort.
29' GREAT PLAY
Spain do play some lovely football. They hit France on the counter, moving forward in numbers with ease. Iniesta is the man to end the move, but his low shot is deflected out for a corner.
27' TIRED
France looked lazy and lethargic in their loss to Sweden, and they don't look much better tonight. I for one thought they would have upped their game.
26' OVER THE BAR
Karim Benzema lines up a free kick just outside the box, but his attempt is very poor and it sails well over the top.
25' IN CONTROL
Spain are dominating this game, coming from back to front in waves. France need to come up with some more ideas, and quickly.
23' CLOSE!
David Silva dances his way through the France defence and into the area, but his cut-back falls just behind Cesc Fabregas and France are able to clear.
21' POOR PLAY
France should have done much better for that goal. Both Anthony Reveillere and Mathieu Debuchy are right-backs by trade, meaning that Jordi Alba should never have got into that position.
19' TON UP
What a game for Xabi Alonso to score in. Jordi Alba breaks forward and Andres Iniesta plays him in. Anthony Reveillere slips and Alba is able to measure his cross, and Alonso arrives in time to power a header into the bottom corner. Spain 1, France 0.
19' GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL
SPAIN TAKE THE LEAD!!!!!
18' DEFEND BETTER
Gael Clichy needs to sort his game out. Once again, Arbeloa is able to make his way down the flank with ease and sends in another cross. France need to watch him here.
17' OFFSIDE
Cesc Fabregas is given the first offside of the evening.
16' DANGER MEN
So far, Alvaro Arbeloa has looked to be the most dangerous man for Spain, getting down the right flank well and causing problems. For France, Ribery has looked keen but lacking in skill.
13' SLOW PACED
So, there hasn't been any real chances of note so far. Spain seem happy to rely on long balls over the top, whilst France are looking to a handful of players to be their inspiration.
11' GOOD BALL
Alvaro Arbeloa gets down the right well and sends in a delicious cross, but no Spain heads can reach it and Lloris gets down well to collect.
9' TAKING THEM ALL ON
Franck Ribery is trying a little too hard tonight. After picking up a throw-in from Clichy, he tries to run past three Spanish players instead of passing back to his midfielders.
8' AMBITIOUS
Xabi Alonso picks the pocket of Franck Ribery, before trying a cheeky shot from the halfway line. Hugo Lloris scrambles back to his line and gathers.
6' APPEAL
Xabi Alonso, making his 100th international appearance tonight, plays the ball over the top for Cesc Fabregas. Clichy clashes with his former Arsenal colleague, but the referee says no.
5' WASTE
David Silva does well down the right, beating Gael Clichy for pace, before cutting back inside and passing straight to Laurent Koscielny. Poor play from the Manchester City man.
4' AWKWARD
Gerard Pique makes a hash of clearing the ball out of defence, allowing Yohan Cabaye to burst forward from midfield. He lays it off to Karim Benzema, who is tackled cleanly by Gerard Pique.
3' EARLY PRESSURE
Spain are in charge in the early stages, using their pace and power to hit France down the flanks.
1' DEFENSIVE
France have set their stall out to prevent Spain scoring, and appear to be relying on Florent Malouda, Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema to be their attacking outlet.
1' KICK OFF
France get us underway, kicking from left to right.
0' BREAKING TEAM NEWS
Spain make one change to the side that beat Croatia, with Cesc Fabregas replacing Fernando Torres, meaning that the Spaniards start without a recognised striker on the field. France, on the other hand, make several changes. Laurent Koscielny takes the place of the suspended Phillipe Mexes, whilst Florent Malouda starts ahead of Hatem Ben Arfa. Samir Nasri and Alou Diarra also drop out of the team, with Yohan Cabaye and Anthony Reveillere taking their places. It appears that Reveillere will start at right back, with Mathieu Debuchy pushed up into the holding midfield role.
0' HEAD TO HEAD
France can look back on the fact that they have never lost to Spain in a major tournament, having met six times. However, the Spanish have won the last three contests between the sides, all friendlies. More excitingly for the neutrals, Spain have never won a European Championship quarter final in normal time. Game On.
0' KEY MEN
Well, how can you pick a key man for Spain? The whole side has quality running through it, and goals can come from anywhere on the pitch. However, if you had to pick one man, Andres Iniesta is the man that makes the Spanish side tick with his superb passing. For France, Karim Benzema has cut a frustrated figure up front. However, Franck Ribery is a box of tricks and if he plays at the top of his game, he can provide the ammunition for Benzema as well as causing problems himself.
0' QUALIFICATION CHANCES
Quite simply, this match has to be decided today. The winners will face a semi final against Portugal, and the losers will go home. Extra time and penalties are very big possibilities.
0' FRANCE TEAM NEWS
Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye looks set to return to the side following a thigh injury, meaning that Yann M'Vila will most likely drop out. Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery, who have both missed training with niggles, should be fit to start, whilst Philippe Mexes is suspended having collected two yellow cards. Arsenal man Laurent Koscielny will deputise.
0' SPAIN TEAM NEWS
Fernando Torres, who scored two goals for the Spanish against Ireland in the second of their group games, looks likely to continue up front. Cesc Fabregas is therefore set to remain on the bench. Alvaro Arbeloa, who has come in for criticism by some sections of the Spanish media, should retain his place, whilst Sergio Ramos will continue to partner Gerard Pique in the centre of defence.
0' PREVIEW
Hello and welcome to tonight's quarter final tie between Spain and France. Many England fans thought that they would be facing the Spanish in this tie, but due to results going their way, France now stand against the European and World Champions. I'm sure we're in for an interesting evening.
0' STAY TUNED
Stay tuned for build-up, team news and live text commentary of Spain against France.
CommentaryLineupsPlayer Stats Events Shotchart
Teams
Spain
(4-3-3)
Iker Casillas1
Álvaro Arbeloa17
Gerard Piqué3
31' Sergio Ramos15
Jordi Alba18
Xavi8
Sergio Busquets16
19' 90' Xabi Alonso14
65' David Silva21
67' Cesc Fàbregas10
84' Andrés Iniesta6
Substitutes
Pepe Reina23
Víctor Valdés12
Raúl Albiol2
84' Santi Cazorla20
Jesús Navas22
Juanfran5
Javi Martínez4
65' Pedro7
67' Fernando Torres9
Fernando Llorente19
Juan Mata13
Álvaro Negredo11
France
(4-1-4-1)
1Hugo Lloris
13Anthony Reveillere
4Adil Rami
21Laurent Koscielny
22Gael Clichy
17Yann M'Vila 79'
2Mathieu Debuchy 64'
6Yohan Cabaye 42'
15Florent Malouda 65'
7Franck Ribéry
10Karim Benzema
Substitutes
23Cedric Carrasso
16Steve Mandanda
3Patrice Evra
11Samir Nasri 65'
14Jeremy Menez 76' 64'
18Alou Diarra
20Hatem Ben Arfa
12Blaise Matuidi
8Mathieu Valbuena
19Marvin Martin
9Olivier Giroud 79'
Manager
Vicente Del Bosque 
Manager
Laurent Blanc 
Lineups
Spain France
2 Goals 0
1 Assists 0
9 Shots 4
5 Shots on Goal 1
1 Saves 3
1 Penalties Scored 0
1 Penalty Kicks 0
9 Crosses 10
7 Corner Kicks 3
6 Offsides 1
6 Fouls Committed 12
1 Cautions/Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 0
56% Ball Possession 44%
CommentaryLineupsPlayer Stats Events Shotchart
Spain
No. Player MinP G YC RC GA Svs
1Iker Casillas 90 - 0 0 0 1
3Gerard Piqué 90 0 0 0 - -
6Andrés Iniesta 84 0 0 0 - -
8Xavi 90 0 0 0 - -
10Cesc Fàbregas 67 0 0 0 - -
14Xabi Alonso 90 2 0 0 - -
15Sergio Ramos 90 0 1 0 - -
16Sergio Busquets 90 0 0 0 - -
17Álvaro Arbeloa 90 0 0 0 - -
18Jordi Alba 90 0 0 0 - -
21David Silva 65 0 0 0 - -
Substitutes
7Pedro 25 0 0 0 - -
9Fernando Torres 23 0 0 0 - -
20Santi Cazorla 6 0 0 0 - -

France
No. Player MinP G YC RC GA Svs
1Hugo Lloris 90 - 0 0 2 1
2Mathieu Debuchy 64 0 0 0 - -
4Adil Rami 90 0 0 0 - -
6Yohan Cabaye 90 0 1 0 - -
7Franck Ribéry 90 0 0 0 - -
10Karim Benzema 90 0 0 0 - -
13Anthony Reveillere 90 0 0 0 - -
15Florent Malouda 65 0 0 0 - -
17Yann M'Vila 79 0 0 0 - -
21Laurent Koscielny 90 0 0 0 - -
22Gael Clichy 90 0 0 0 - -
Substitutes
9Olivier Giroud 11 0 0 0 - -
11Samir Nasri 25 0 0 0 - -
14Jeremy Menez 26 0 1 0 - -
CommentaryLineupsPlayer StatsEventsShotchart
Spain vs. France
Minute Event
90' Game Over  Spain 2-0 France
90' Half Over  Spain 2-0 France
90' Corner Kick  Xavi (Spain)
90' Shot on Goal  Fernando Torres (Spain)
90' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
90' Penalty Goal  Xabi Alonso (Spain)
90' Shot on Goal  Xabi Alonso (Spain)
90' Free Kick  Xabi Alonso (Spain)
90' Foul  Pedro fouled by Anthony Reveillere (France)
90' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
89' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
89' Foul  Ramos fouled by Olivier Giroud (France)
89' Goal Kick  Iker Casillas (Spain)
88' Corner Kick  Samir Nasri (France)
88' Cross  Franck Ribéry (France)
87' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
87' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
86' Offside  Olivier Giroud (France)
86' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
84' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
84' Substitution  Santi Cazorla (on). Iniesta (off). (Spain)
83' Cross  Gael Clichy (France)
81' Throw-In  Jeremy Menez (France)
81' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
80' Offside  Fernando Torres (Spain)
79' Foul  Arbeloa fouled by Olivier Giroud (France)
79' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
79' Substitution  Olivier Giroud (on). M'Vila (off). (France)
78' Goal Kick  Hugo Lloris (France)
77' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
77' Corner Kick  Xavi (Spain)
77' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
76' Yellow Card  Jeremy Menez (France)
76' Foul  Alba fouled by Jeremy Menez (France)
75' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
75' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
74' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
73' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
71' Offside  Fernando Torres (Spain)
71' Offside  Fernando Torres (Spain)
71' Cross  Franck Ribéry (France)
70' Corner Kick  Xavi (Spain)
69' Cross  Pedro (Spain)
68' Foul  Alba fouled by Jeremy Menez (France)
68' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
67' Substitution  Fernando Torres (on). Fàbregas (off). (Spain)
66' Corner Kick  Xavi (Spain)
66' Cross  Jordi Alba (Spain)
65' Substitution  Pedro (on). Silva (off). (Spain)
65' Substitution  Samir Nasri (on). Malouda (off). (France)
64' Substitution  Jeremy Menez (on). Debuchy (off). (France)
64' Shot  Karim Benzema (France)
61' Cross  Gael Clichy (France)
60' Shot  Mathieu Debuchy (France)
60' Cross  Franck Ribéry (France)
60' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
60' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
60' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
59' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
59' Cross  Cesc Fàbregas (Spain)
58' Corner Kick  Franck Ribéry (France)
57' Cross  Anthony Reveillere (France)
57' Foul  Ribéry fouled by David Silva (Spain)
54' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
54' Foul  Alba fouled by Mathieu Debuchy (France)
53' Goal Kick  Iker Casillas (Spain)
52' Shot  Xabi Alonso (Spain)
51' Cross  Cesc Fàbregas (Spain)
51' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
50' Foul  Alba fouled by Mathieu Debuchy (France)
49' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
48' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
47' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
46' Foul  Arbeloa fouled by Karim Benzema (France)
46' Start Half 
45' Half Over  Spain 1-0 France
45' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
45' Cross  Xavi (Spain)
45' Free Kick  Xavi (Spain)
44' Foul  Alba fouled by Mathieu Debuchy (France)
44' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
42' Yellow Card  Yohan Cabaye (France)
42' Foul  Busquets fouled by Yohan Cabaye (France)
41' Foul  Ribéry fouled by Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
41' Corner Kick  Xavi (Spain)
40' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
40' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
39' Goal Kick  Hugo Lloris (France)
38' Shot  Gerard Piqué (Spain)
38' Corner Kick  Xavi (Spain)
37' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
37' Cross  Franck Ribéry (France)
37' Foul  M'Vila fouled by Xavi (Spain)
37' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
35' Foul  Fàbregas fouled by Florent Malouda (France)
33' Cross  Franck Ribéry (France)
33' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
33' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
32' Corner Kick  Franck Ribéry (France)
32' Shot on Goal  Yohan Cabaye (France)
32' Free Kick  Yohan Cabaye (France)
31' Yellow Card  Sergio Ramos (Spain)
31' Foul  Benzema fouled by Sergio Ramos (Spain)
30' Goal Kick  Hugo Lloris (France)
30' Shot  Cesc Fàbregas (Spain)
30' Corner Kick  Xavi (Spain)
29' Shot on Goal  Andrés Iniesta (Spain)
28' Goal Kick  Hugo Lloris (France)
26' Goal Kick  Iker Casillas (Spain)
26' Shot  Karim Benzema (France)
26' Free Kick  Karim Benzema (France)
26' Foul  Benzema fouled by Xabi Alonso (Spain)
25' Offside  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
24' Foul  Fàbregas fouled by Adil Rami (France)
24' Cross  Mathieu Debuchy (France)
23' Cross  Mathieu Debuchy (France)
23' Cross  David Silva (Spain)
23' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
21' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
21' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
20' Goal Kick  Hugo Lloris (France)
20' Shot  Xavi (Spain)
19' Goal  Xabi Alonso (Spain). Assist by Alba
19' Shot on Goal  Xabi Alonso (Spain)
19' Cross  Jordi Alba (Spain)
18' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
18' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
17' Offside  Cesc Fàbregas (Spain)
16' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
15' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
15' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
14' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
14' Cross  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
13' Foul  Rami fouled by Xavi (Spain)
12' Offside  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
11' Cross  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
9' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
9' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
8' Shot on Goal  Xabi Alonso (Spain)
8' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
7' Throw-In  Gael Clichy (France)
6' Goal Kick  Hugo Lloris (France)
5' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
4' Throw-In  Adil Rami (France)
4' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
2' Throw-In  Anthony Reveillere (France)
2' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
1' Throw-In  Álvaro Arbeloa (Spain)
1' Throw-In  Jordi Alba (Spain)
1' Start Half 

Players
No.Number
MinPMinutes Played
GGoals
AstAssists
SHTSShots
SOGShots on Goal
CKCorner Kicks
CRCrosses
OffOffsides
FCFouls Committed
FSFouls Suffered
YCYellow Cards
RCRed Cards
GAGoals Against
SvsSaves
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