Spain boss Luis Aragones is thrilled with his side's performance at Euro 2008 thus far, especially after they sent world champions Italy packing in the quarter finals on Sunday.

Spain, often derided for their lack of big match temperament, won the match on penalties and showed great resolve under pressure.

Aragones enthused: "I would like to congratulate first of all my players for their remarkable behaviour and maintaining their morale during the match.

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

"Like all the Spanish camp I'm delighted by this victory."

He added a word of caution though, saying: "But we've done nothing more than win a small battle. I think Spain just about deserved to win but we didn't play good football and neither did Italy.

"We did the job and in Spain we have always talked about not getting past the quarters but now we have a chance of getting to the final. The team is convinced they can win this."

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who slotted the winning spot kick, said: "This is wonderful, it is impossible to find the words to express such an emotion.

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

Spain will play Russia in the semi-finals on Thursday.