Koscielny proud of France run

24 June 2012 18:08

Laurent Koscielny feels France can leave Euro 2012 with their heads held high after being eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals.

Xabi Alonso gave the titleholders the lead in the first half, before putting the match to bed with his second from the penalty spot late on.

"We have seen for some time that Spain play the most beautiful football and win trophies, so it was a tough match for us. Spain have the skill to keep possession and make their opponent chase the ball, and this is very energy consuming," Koscielny told UEFA.com.

"We could have scored if we had been more accurate in terms of technique, but we are, nonetheless, leaving with our heads held high.

"It is no use being consumed by regret now. I only want to look to the future. I think this tournament has helped us improve - let's not forget that we are a young team. I think we will get better with time."

France will start their qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup on September 7 with an away game against Finland.