On 23 June 2012, exactly 12 years ago, Spain beat France 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the European Championship, qualifying for the semi-finals of the competition which he would then win by clearly beating Italy 4-0 in the last act. The match broke the deadlock in the 19th minute following a masterful move by the Red Furies, which saw Iniesta as the protagonist in the first instance, capable of skipping past two opponents and serving Jordi Alba on the run, who in turn brushed in a perfect cross from the left with his left-handed at the far post e Xabi Alonso, who headed the momentary 1-0 goal into the opposite post. The French team tried to react with a free kick from Cabaye from distance, which however did not worry Casillas due to the lack of power of the shot.
In the second half, France tries, but always without too much conviction: show to the left by Ribery, cross in the middle for Koscienly and header high over the crossbar. Spain is quicker in managing the ball, Xavi and Busquets have fun finding gaps where there really shouldn’t be any and so the goal that ends the match arrives in the 91st minute again with Xabi Alonso, this time on a penalty won by Pedro after a dribble on Reveillere. Also worth mentioning is Cazorla’s verticalisation, as well as obviously the Iberian midfielder’s right-footed shot, which thus achieved his personal double. Below is the match scorecard:
SPAIN-FRANCE 2-0
Spain (4-3-2-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi; Iniesta (39′ st Cazorla), Silva (20′ st Pedro); Fabregas (22′ st Torres). Available: Valdes, Reina, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Jesus Navas, Negredo, Mata, Llorente. Ct: Del Bosque
France (4-4-2): Lloris; Rèveillére, Rami, Koscielny, Clichy; Debuchy (20′ st Menez), Cabaye, M’Vila (34′ st Giroud), Malouda (20 st Nasri); Ribery, Benzema. Available: Mandanda, Carrasso, Evra, Valbuena, Matuidi, A. Diarra, Martin, Ben Arfa. Ct: Blanc
Referee: Rizzoli
Markers: 19′ Xabi Alonso, 46′ st pen. Xabi Alonso