Half-Time Report: Spain 1-0 France

Holders Spain have gone in 1-0 ahead at half time against France in their Euro 2012 quarter-final encounter in Donetsk.

The defending champions were appealing for a penalty as early as the fifth minute when Cesc Fabregas, who had been selected ahead of Fernando Torres, claimed that he had been brought down by Gael Clichy in the area. However, the referee was quick to wave play on.

Following Alvaro Arbeloa's wayward effort, a dominant Spain took the lead on 18 minutes when Xabi Alonso marked a century of appearances for his country by heading in powerfully at the back post from Jordi Alba's cross.

France's first real opportunity of the half came in the form of a Karim Benzema free kick, but the striker blazed his effort well over the crossbar.

They had another set piece from an almost identical position minutes later which Yohan Cabaye forced Iker Casillas to tip away.

Spain could have doubled their lead towards the end of the half, but Gerard Pique directed his free header off target from a corner.