Satisfied Spain switch focus to Portugal

After another clinical performance sealed a UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final spot, Spain's players were happy to have got past a strong France side. Xabi Alonso celebrated his 100th appearance for La Roja with both goals and said his opener made Spain's job much easier. Sergio Ramos felt his side had taken a measure of revenge for their 2006 FIFA World Cup loss to the same opponents, while Cesc Fàbregas and Jordi Alba looked forward to a tough tie with Portugal next up.

Xabi Alonso, Spain midfielder
It's been a good day. We're through to the semi-finals which was the main thing. We're pleased about that, the 100 caps is just an extra – what's really important is that we're in the semis. It's in these matches that that we have to show what we're about. We controlled it from start to finish. The team makes things easy.

I'm happy about my 100th game and the goals. We know every game is difficult now but we're in the semi-finals and we're going to give it everything. We controlled the match though we knew it wouldn't be easy against opponents that were defending deep. It became easier after the goal. This was a big quarter-final game and you have to know how to play them.

Cesc Fàbregas, Spain forward
We played really well in the first half, actually one of the best first halves in the tournament. I played a bit better, but we were playing against France, who played very well. We are very happy now. I tried hard, and I ran a lot. I feel good. 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’ll have to work hard in that game. They have Ronaldo, Nani, Raul Meireles, João Moutinho. They have very good players.

Sergio Ramos, Spain defender
The good thing about football is you've always got a chance for revenge and today was our moment [against France]. This Spain team have taken a step forward – we showed what we're about in this victory and we're 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.

Jordi Alba, Spain defender
I am very happy about how it went. They were difficult opponents who were good at defending and they also used the ball well. But I think we were excellent and I'm very satisfied. It's always nice to get an assist in a game like this. I am satisfied with the game from both a personal and team point of view. We were playing against strong opponents.

It's gone well from the first day [of being in the Spain set-up] and I have found myself at ease in the national team. I think that the existing good relationships in the squad make it easier to adapt and make you feel comfortable. I feel like a part of the team and it's going fantastically well. Portugal will be difficult opponents and are strong all over the park. They are a top-class side.