MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 12:47:30| >> :120:78474:78474:

Xabi Alonso hails "phenomenal" win

Xabi Alonso hails
© PA Photos
Xabi Alonso describes a "phenomenal" night after marking his 100th senior international appearance with two goals to help his side reach the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Xabi Alonso has described his 100th international appearance as "phenomenal" after the Spain midfielder scored both goals in his country's 2-0 win over France.

The 30-year-old former Liverpool playmaker also completed 99 passes as the reigning world and European champions reached the last four at Euro 2012.

"The team was phenomenal and personally I am very satisfied with the two goals," said Alonso. "We didn't have that many chances but we completely controlled the match."

Spain's next challenge will be a semi-final encounter against Portugal, who will be led by Alonso's Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, in Donetsk on Wednesday.

"The most important step is the next one," added Alonso. "We know all about Cristiano. But we are not afraid.

"We are now in the semis and of course all the games at this stage are life and death."

Alonso's opener was the 20th headed goal of the tournament so far, which is one more than in any other previous European championships.

ID:31951: cacheID:31951:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2221:
Written by
Robert Summerscales
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Vicente Del Bosque
Read Next:
Del Bosque: "We were in control"
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!