5 matches that defined Xabi Alonso’s career

#4 23 June 2012 - European Championship Quarter-Final - Spain vs. France

Alonso was at his best for Spain in Euro 2012

Alonso was part of the Spain squad who lifted the European Championship in 2008 but he only started one match. He was, though, a regular by the time the 2010 World Cup came around and played his part in Spain’s first ever success in that competition.

But it was two years later, at the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine that Alonso arguably played his finest football with the national team.

The quarter-final victory over France was particularly significant. Firstly, because it was the only time that Alonso ever scored a brace for Spain. Secondly, because it was his 100th cap for the national team in an international career that eventually spanned 11 years. And thirdly, it was Spain’s first-ever victory over France in a competitive fixture.

Spain went on to defeat Portugal on penalties in the final four before thrashing Italy 4-0 in the final to secure an unique treble of international honours. Alonso was named in the team of the tournament.