HANOVER, June 27 - Spain coach Luis Aragones pointed to inexperience in top level international competition as the key to his young side's downfall against former world champions France.

"We lacked that extra knowledge about how to compete in knockout tournaments like this," Aragones told a news conference after his side surrendered the lead to lose 3-1 to France in their second round match in Hanover.

"Our aim was to get close to the level of teams that win the World Cup and France are one of those, but we made two important errors and paid for a heavy price for them."

Spain were in impressive form in the early stages of the World Cup, opening their campaign with a 4-0 win over Ukraine and beating both Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

But despite being tipped to end their reputation as perennial underperformers they came unstuck when they were outwitted by an older and more experienced French side.

Spain took the lead through a David Villa penalty in the 28th minute, but France hit back before the break when midfielder Franck Ribery scored a classy solo goal after beating the offside trap.

Patrick Vieira put Les Bleus in front with a far post header after the referee had awarded a controversial free kick with seven minutes left to play and Zinedine Zidane wrapped up when Spain were caught out in injury time.

"Their second goal came from a refereeing error and then we made a mistake by not covering Vieira," said Aragones. "It was an error that stemmed from our youth and inexperience."

Aragones also said the third French goal from Zidane came from teenager Cesc Fabregas losing possession.

"We've got a young team that needs to learn how to get further. They could be a good team one day, but when players give everything you can't ask any more of them.

"We lost a game that was very evenly balanced, but we can't blame it on bad luck. Our players will have another chance in the future."

Striker Fernando Torres echoed the comments of his coach.

"Everyone is destroyed by the defeat, but we are a young team with a bright future and we have shown that we can play at a high level.

"Nearly all of us will still be around at the next World Cup. When the team matures it will do some great things."