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DONETSK - Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque hailed Xabi Alonso's role as an influential cog in aside without a recognized striker after the midfielder's double secured a 2-0 win over Franceand a place in the Euro 2012 semi-finals. Alonso, playing in his 100th international, headed in Jordi Alba's cross for the opening goalafter 19 minutes and clinched victory for the holders with a stoppage time penalty. Spain now face a mouthwatering semi-final with Iberian neighbors Portugal in Donetsk onWednesday.
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Spain's Xabi Alonso (R) celebrates after scoring a goal past France'sGael Clichy during their Euro 2012 quarter-final soccer match atDonbass Arena in Donetsk, June 23, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]
"Xabi is a very good team player, he knows how to help on the flanks. He is one of the attackingstrengths we have but overall it was the teamwork," Del Bosque told reporters after Alonso's14th and 15th goals in international football. "I think Xabi scores a lot. If we talk about Xabi and (Sergio) Busquets I think they are not toodefensive. They know how to attack." Spain fielded the same team that started against Italy in their opening Group C game, meaningforward Fernando Torres was on the bench. Del Bosque's wisdom of playing without a designated center forward has been questioned insome quarters but the coach made clear his reasoning for his striker-free selection. "I don't think there is an absolute truth that playing with a true forward gives you more depth,but we wanted to dominate to have possession and create chances," he said. Spain were too good for a meek French side, who offered little hope that they could continuetheir mastery of the Spaniards in competitive meetings having won five and drawn one of theirprevious six encounters. "I don't think it is an unfair result. We were in control most of the time," said Del Bosque. "We were strong on the left with Jordi and (Andreas) Iniesta, that's where the first goal camefrom. We played well as a team and that's what caused France problems." Del Bosque said Spain were at a "little disadvantage" with Portugal having an extra two daysrest to recuperate before the semi-final after beating the Czech Republic on Thursday. "We were tired at the end of the game but we will have to do our best to rest as much as wecan," he added. | 
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