Alonso double sends Spain through
Spain fans show support for their team in the stands
It was not a great fight from France who many felt would put up a stronger challenge for the reigning champions, who will now meet Portugal in the semifinal.
Former Liverpool star Alonso opened the scoring with an excellent headed goal, following a Jordi Alba cross in the 20th minute.
At this stage Spain were in command and deserved their lead.
France battled to get into the affair and only managed a rare attack when right back Mathieu Debuchy headed a Franck Ribery cross over the goals.
Spain’s second goal came via the penalty spot when Alonso blasted home in referee’s optional time, following a foul on Pedro.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque dropped Fernando Torres to the bench and used Cesc Fabregas in the forward line while Sami Nasri started on the bench for France.
Despite Spain’s dominance, Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema did their best to bring their team back into the contest, but they frequently found themselves running into dead ends and handing the ball straight back to Spain.
France coach Laurent Blanc made two changes, bringing on Jeremy Menez and Nasri, but they failed to make an impact on the game.
Spain have three days of rest until they return to Donetsk to face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the semifinal.
France will turn their gaze towards the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign where they have to clash with Spain twice, with the first fixture coming in October.
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