Xabi Alonso marked his 100th cap for Spain with two goals in the 2-0 win over France to secure safe passage to the semi finals of Euro 2012.

Vincente De Bosque’s side had failed to beat Les Bleus in seven competitive meetings but could’t have asked for an easier quarter final tie as they strolled to victory courtesy of Alsono’s double. The Real Madrid midfielder celebrated his ton of appearances for Spain by heading home Jordi Alba’s cross in the 19th minute before converting from the penalty spot in injury to set up a last four clash with Portugal on Wednesday night.

Laurent Blanc will be unhappy that his players failed to give the defending champions a sterner examination although his decision to switch to a 4-5-1 formation often left lone frontman Karim Benzema isolated forcing him to drop deeper to get into the game. It was never going to be easy against Spain who looked in ‘that’ mood right from the kick off with Xavi and Andres Iniesta took immediate control of the game.

France struggled to cope with fluid movement of the Spanish midfield as they casually fizzed the ball around with their usual confidence and deservedly took the lead after 19 minutes. Iniesta burst forward and played in Alba down the left, getting the better Mathieu Debuchy, and stood up a cross for an unmarked Alonso to head in at the back post.

David Silva then twisted and turned his way into the penalty area past Manchester City teammate Gael Clichy but couldn’t find Cesc Fabregas with his cut back. France finally sparked into life but Karim Benzema wasted a 25-yard free kick before  Yohan Cabaye took over and forced Iker Casillas into a smart same.

Gerard Pique then passed up the chance to double Spain’s advantage just before the break heading over from a corner despite being unmarked. France came out with a greater urgency after the restart and Benzema was unlucky in his efforts to pick out Debuchy who then headed Franck Ribery’s cross over the bar.

Spain slowly regained their dominance and were thwarted by an alert Lloris as he raced off his line to prevent Xavi’s through ball from reaching Fabregas. France’s best chance of an equaliser came from attacking down the left and Ribery’s driven low cross almost found Jeremy Menez only for Casillas to nip in and claim the ball before the winger could make contact.

And just as the French seemed to be on the verge of an equaliser Spain were gifted the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt when Pedro was brought down by Anthony Reveillere in the area and Alonso stepped up to send Lloris the wrong way from 12-yards and set up an Iberian derby in the last four.