MADRID (Reuters) - Spain’s players always believed they were capable of going all the way at the European Championship and they have now proved their potential by advancing to the semi-finals, forward Mikel Oyarzabal has said.
Coach Luis Enrique divided national opinion by leaving out captain Sergio Ramos from his squad while the team’s opening draws with Sweden and Poland provoked more fury from the national media.
But criticism has subsided with victories over Slovakia and Croatia and their penalty shootout win against Switzerland in the quarterfinals. They now face a fascinating semifinal against old rivals Italy at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.