López Caro lauds Spanish spirit

Dramatic comeback
Facing a 3-1 aggregate deficit on the back of a first-leg loss and Shkelzen Gashi's 25th-minute strike for the Swiss, Xisco rallied the hosts with a headed goal before Sisi sent the game beyond 90 minutes with a wonderful volley deep into second-half stoppage time. Captain Raúl García then slid in to seal Spain's progress. "This was an epic triumph for us and it will serve to make us stronger ahead of next summer's tournament in Sweden," López Caro said. "I'm thrilled with my players."

Big effort
The former Real Madrid CF and Real Racing Club coach explained that falling a goal behind had actually helped his players, who were forced to raise their game in the second period: "The goal we conceded brought more focus to our team, especially in the second half. We managed to score very late on but I think it brought us some justice as we deserved to take the match into extra time. I'm very satisfied with the team's efforts; they gave their all to get this win."

Thanks offered
For Switzerland coach Pierre-André Schürmann, whose side had been just moments away from reaching next summer's finals, it proved hard to bear. "We've been harshly punished considering what we've given in these two games," he said. "I believe, on merit, we should be going to the finals. Spain are a quality side and they hit us right at the end. I'd like to thank everyone involved with our national team for the efforts they have put in."