France coach Laurent Blanc pointed to Xabi Alonso's early goal as the key moment in his side's 2-0 loss to Spain in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, but stood by his tactics.

Blanc unexpectedly introduced a fresh formula against Spain at Donetsk's Donbass Arena on Saturday, with a five-man midfield deployed in a bid to stifle the reigning world and European champion.

Mathieu Debuchy lined up ahead of fellow rightback Anthony Reveillere in an unfamiliar right-wing role, as Blanc sought to nullify the influence of Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta on the Spanish left.

However, it was from that side of the pitch that Spain broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, with Iniesta freeing Alba to cross for Xabi Alonso to head home on his 100th international appearance.

France improved after half-time, until Alonso's injury-time penalty put the game to bed, but Blanc said he was more frustrated by the early goal than by his side's failure to capitalize on its chances.

"If you look at our team, we knew Spain's left side was very strong," he said. "In Alba and Iniesta, they have two players who overlap constantly. And what's frustrating is that we conceded a goal from that side."

AFP