Belarus ready to prove their worth, says Bukatkin

Nikita Bukatkin rejects the notion that Belarus's progression to the semi-finals was purely down to fortune and is determined to show why his side are among the four best in Europe when they meet Spain on Wednesday.

Belarus escaped Group A after finishing on three points and getting the better of a three-way head-to-head calculation, with Iceland and hosts Denmark losing out. "Well, on one hand we are lucky to qualify as three teams from our group had the same number of points," Bukatkin told UEFA.com. "However, we have outplayed our opponents at times in games. Some will say we don't deserve it – in the semi-final we would like to prove that we belong in the best four."

Nevertheless, the FC Naftan Novopolotsk holding midfielder is expecting a stiff challenge against a side who have looked stronger with every match they have played. "It's going to be really tough against Spain but before kick-off it's always 50-50," added Bukatkin. "We need to play our best game and see what happens. Obviously, they are fantastic on the ball. When I see them playing I think of Barcelona."

Even so, there are qualities Belarus have, Bukatkin says, which can upset the Spanish rhythm. "We have our own strengths as well – team spirit and great desire. Sometimes our quick switches from one flank to another can surprise opponents." Nor should the Spanish hold any great surprises for Georgi Kondratyev's team, who have recent experience of their semi-final rivals.

"At the end of March we played a friendly against Spain," said Bukatkin, who started Belarus's first two games in Denmark before a one-match ban. "They enjoyed the majority of possession, however we created the same number of chances. I'd say in the second half we even had the better chances. For most parts of the match they were applying the pressure, but chances were at a premium as we defended really well. So we know how to play against them."

Bukatkin is looking forward to the challenge, saying Belarus "are feeling no pressure". There is plenty to play for, though: England's failure to make it through Group B means Europe's three available berths at next summer's Olympic are still to be decided. The losing semi-finalists will play off in Aalborg on Saturday to join the two finalists at the London Games.

"It's a pity England haven't qualified," continued the 23-year-old, whose team-mates were at the Viborg Stadion – venue for the Spain game – to see Stuart Pearce's side bow out in dramatic fashion. "We really supported them in the last match. They fell short, so we have to do it by ourselves. We need to secure at least third spot to qualify for the Olympics."