De la Fuente: "This competition is on par with the Euros"

Once again, the Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, found fortune smiling upon him in a crucial match. The encounter at Mestalla could have gone either way after the Netherlands equalised three times and even had chances to win without going to penalties. However, in the shootout, Spain advanced to their third consecutive final four in the Nations League, where they are the reigning champions.

"Great emotion and a blessed struggle. Enjoying a match that could have been a final. We saw during the game that it was indeed like that. We faced a very strong team on the other side. Today we experienced feelings similar to those at the Euros; we were more recognisable," stated the Spanish coach post-match.

"It was a very open game. Two teams with similar styles of play. We always push for attack and lots of it. That's why the spectators enjoyed it so much today. The match was out of control at times. It's wonderful to advance like this. We must value the achievements of this group of players. Let's enjoy another great 'final four'. Three world champions and one European champion are qualified," he continued in the depths of Mestalla.

Are they favourites as the current champions? "You only need to look at the lineup of teams to see what kind of competition this is. We must appreciate this great competition. I believe it is very attractive and, in my opinion, the level is akin to that of the Euros."

France is once again in a semi-final, as in the last Euros, where La Roja triumphed 2-1 in Munich. "We have time to prepare for the match against France. Tomorrow we will get to work. Monitoring our players, which is the most important thing. It's going to be a fantastic semi-final."