Defence of crown ultimate goal for 100-cap Alonso

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso insisted helping his team reach the semi-finals of Euro 2012 was more important than winning his 100th cap after scoring twice to knock out France.

The former Liverpool man played a big part in ensuring the defending champions overcame Les Bleus 2-0 with a first-half header and a late penalty in Donetsk.

Spain will now meet Portugal in the semi-final on Wednesday.

“We’re through to the semi-finals, which was the main thing,” the Real Madrid player told uefa.com. “We’re pleased about that. The 100 caps is just an extra.

“It’s in these matches that we have to show what we’re about. We controlled it from start to finish. The team made things easy.

“I was happy about my 100th game and the goals. We know every game is difficult now but we’re in the semi-finals and we’re going to give it everything.

“We controlled the match, though we knew it wouldn’t be easy against opponents that were defending deep.

“It became easier after the goal. It was a big quarter-final game and you have to know how to play them.”

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Spain face a stiff test against Portugal.

“Portugal will be very difficult,” he said. “They have strong individuals, strong players.

“Apart from their good open play, they are very good on the counter-attack, and we’ll have to work hard in that game.

“They have Ronaldo, Nani, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho. They have very good players.”

Fabregas was pleased with Spain’s performance against Laurent Blanc’s side, and with his own contribution.

“We played really well in the first half — actually one of the best first halves in the tournament,” said the former Arsenal captain, who led Spain’s attack with Fernando Torres starting on the bench.

“I played a bit better, but we were playing against France, who played very well. I tried hard, and I ran a lot. I feel good. No matter what happens, the most important thing is that Spain won.”

Defender Sergio Ramos, who will face Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo on Wednesday, added: “This Spain team have taken a step forward. We showed what we’re about in this victory and we’re in the semi-finals now.

“We have to carry this on all the way to the final. We can’t rest on our laurels because every game is a final.

“Portugal have done really well to get to the semi-finals, so it will be difficult.”