Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas was delighted to reach the Euro 2012 final after defeating Portugal in the penalty shoot-out.
The Barcelona midfielder scored the decisive penalty which sent Spain to Sunday’s final, after 120 minutes without a goal from either side.
It is the third consecutive final for Spain in major international competitions, and Fabregas hailed his side’s fighting spirit.
“The team has worked so hard,” he told Telecinco.
“I had the feeling that there would be penalties tonight. I wanted to take one if we had this opportunity.
“To be honest, I am very excited. To reach another final in four years is amazing.”
Spain were on the back foot during some stages of the match, but Sergio Ramos thinks that his side worthy winners.
“After a very long season with so much work, we deserved this,” the Real Madrid defender said.
“We are happy with the performance of the team. Individual success is not as important as the collective one, which is to reach the final. I am proud to be Spanish.”
