Del Bosque bemoans schedule

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque fears his side could run out of steam in their bid to retain their European Championship crown.

Xabi Alonso's double helped Spain to a comfortable 2-0 victory over France in Donetsk on Saturday and set up a meeting with Portugal in the last four, who edged past the Czech Republic in their quarter-final clash 48 hours earlier. Del Bosque admitted the extra rest hands Portugal the advantage and accepts Spain are feeling the heat as they attempt to clinch a third consecutive major title. "We have two fewer days to rest than them. It is a small handicap," the Spain boss said. "I am thinking about this problem. We have arrived very drained because the heat we suffered tonight was cruel on the players." The two sides meet on Wednesday for a place in the Kiev showpiece on July 1.