Donetsk, Jun 25 (IBNS): Spain coach Vicente del Bosque defended his team's defensive show in their 2-0 win over over France in the quarterfinal of the UEFA EURO 2012 here Saturday night.

"The truth is we did well and controlled the game," said Del Bosque. "Iker (Casillas) hardly had anything to do and that speaks of the good defensive performance of the team. If our defenders are good then we will be closer to winning the tournament because we will always create a chance."

The former Real Madrid boss was particularly pleased with Xavi Alonso, who struck twice in the match,

"Alonso is one of the players that has scored most in my time as manager," said the coach. "I already know that he and Busquets are a controversial pairing but I always defend that these are more attacking footballers than defensive ones. They have an extraordinary awareness of the team."

Del Bosque, however, was concerned about having less time ahead of their Wednesday's semi-final against Wednesday.

"We have two less days to rest than them and I am thinking about this," he said. "It is a small handicap. We have arrived very drained because the heat we suffered tonight was cruel on the players."