Aragones hails players

Midfielder and coach beam at triumph over Italy

Last updated: 22nd June 2008

Cesc Fabregas celebration Spain Euro 2008

Fabregas: Penalty joy

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Luis Aragones praised his players' never-say-die attitude after Spain advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 at Italy's expense.

A largely frustrating encounter went to extra-time and then penalties after Spain failed to break down the Italian's disciplined system.

But Aragones' men held their nerve during the dreaded penalty shoot-out with goalkeeper Iker Casillas pulling off two fine stops before Cesc Fabregas buried the winner.

Aragones acknowledged the scale of their triumph after his squad overcame the world champions to set up a last-four clash against Russia.

"I would like to congratulate first of all my players for their remarkable behaviour and maintaining their morale during the match," said the 69-year-old.

"It was very difficult because the Italians closed down all the spaces, which made it difficult to play our natural game."

Wonderful

Arsenal midfielder Fabregas was over the moon with the success and admitted the players owed it to themselves and their fans after so often falling at the quarter-final stages.

"This is wonderful, it is impossible to find the words to express such an emotion," said Fabregas.

"We are just simply delighted. This is an important victory for this young side. We have been waiting for this for a long time."