Spain’s charmed life in Euro 2000 finally came to an end as Raul blasted a last-gasp penalty over the crossbar after an enthralling contest in Bruges.

Attacking the same net that bulged twice in stoppage-time just four days earlier against Yugoslavia, the same player, Abelardo, was again brought down in the last minute to earn a spot kick. Raul stepped up confidently, but hit his shot high and wide, sending France into the semi-finals.

There was still time for subsitute Ismael Urzaiz to equalise, meeting Alfonso's cross just a few yards out, but he could not direct his header on target and France were through.

Youri Djorkaeff grabbed the winner, capping a marvellous display, although Spanish goalkeeper Santiago Canizares may feel that he could have done better. Djorkaeff still had much to do as he latched onto Patrick Vieira’s throughball, but he took the ball on his right foot and rifled his shot powerfully inside the near post.

It was the second time France had taken the lead, following Zinedine Zidane’s majestic opener. After 33 minutes, the former World Player of the Year hit a curling, swirling 25-yard free-kick, which flew into the top corner.

Considering the number of dead-ball experts, it is surprising that the goal was only the second from a free-kick in the tournament, following Frank de Boer’s fabulous strike for Holland against the French.

Zidane will have been relieved to score, having missed a golden opportunity to put his side ahead moments earlier. The Juventus star was unmarked just 10 yards from goal as Christophe Dugarry’s sliding pass found him. However, for the only time all game, his control let him down and he feebly miscued his shot wide of Canizares’ goal.

France should really have been ahead long before, as Patrick Vieira, in for injured team-mate Emmanuel Petit, should have opened his international account just two minutes in. He met Zidane’s wonderful curling cross inside the six-yard box, but he could not control his header and it flew well over the bar.

Spain forced their way back into the game and Pedro Munitis, preferred to Fran following his goal against Yugoslavia, consistently had the beating of Lilian Thuram. The big Frenchman is thought by many to the best full-back in the world, yet faced with the Racing Santander winger, he looked slow and lumbering.

It was this pairing that led to the Spanish equaliser. Breaking down the left channel, Munitis had his legs taken from beneath him by Thuram and referee Pierluigi Collina pointed to the spot. Gaizka Mendieta, calm as ever, slotted home his second penalty of the tournament to equalise.

The tension grew throughout the second half as both teams displayed near-perfect passing technique, but chances were scarce. Spain were attacking the same net that bulged twice in stoppage-time just four days earlier against Yugoslavia, but the World Cup-winning defence was made of sterner stuff.

Other than the late spot-kick, their best chance of an equaliser came just two minutes after the break, provided again by the nippy Munitis. He pulled the ball back neatly for Alfonso, but the Real Betis striker could not control the cross and Bathez pounced.