DONETSK:  Defender Sergio Ramos felt that Spain took a sweet revenge against France for the 2006 World Cup exit with the 2-0 win in the Euro 2012 quarter-final at Donbass Arena this morning. 

Xabi Alonso scored twice to set up a meeting with Portugal as the Spaniards avenged their 3-1 defeat to the French six years ago in the last 16 of the World Cup in Germany.

"The good thing about football is you have always have a chance for revenge and today was our moment against France," said Ramos.

"This Spain team have taken a step forward - we showed what we are all about in this victory and we are in the semi-finals now.

"We have to carry this on all the way to the final.

"We can't rest on our laurels because every game is a final and Portugal have done really well to get to the semi-finals, so it will be difficult," said the Real Madrid.

Attacker Cesc Fabregas also felt Spain deserved to progress.

"We played really well in the first half, actually one of the best first halves in the tournament. We are very happy now," he said.

"I played a bit better, but we were playing against France, who played very well. I tried hard, and I ran a lot. No matter what happens, the most important thing is that Spain won.

"Portugal will be very difficult. They have strong individuals, strong players. Apart from their good open play, they are very good on the counterattack, and we will have to work hard in that game.

"They have Ronaldo, Nani, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho. They have very good players," said the Barcelona midfielder.


-mD