Spain wants more after breaking quarter-final curse

By Simon Baskett

VIENNA (Reuters) - Spain may have broken their quarter-final curse with their penalty shootout triumph over Italy at Euro 2008 but they are not prepared to settle just for this victory when a greater prize remains to be claimed.

"Like all the Spanish camp I'm delighted by this victory," Spain coach Luis Aragones told a news conference after his team had defeated the world champions.

"But we've done nothing more than win a small battle. I think Spain just about deserved to win, but we didn't play good football and neither did Italy.

"We did the job and in Spain we have always talked about not getting past the quarters, but now we have a chance of getting to the final. The team is convinced they can win this."

A cagey, tactical duel at the Ernst Happel stadium went to penalties after extra time ended 0-0 and Spain claimed victory helped by Iker Casillas who saved two Italian spot kicks.

It is the first time Spain have reached the semi-final of a major tournament since they got to the European Championship final in 1984 when they lost to France.

Aragones said it was a frustrating game. "The rhythm was slow and if we had been able to speed it up a bit more maybe we would have had more chances. It wasn't a great game though."

Spain will now play Russia, who beat Netherlands 3-1 in their quarter-final, in Vienna on Thursday.

The 69-year-old said there was no danger of complacency even though Spain beat Russia 4-1 in their opening group match.

"It will be a very different game," he said. "They've got a very physically very fit side and have had an extra day's rest. It will be extremely tough for us.

"Russia are at their peak given the way their season works and they were outstanding against the Dutch in extra time. It will be very difficult because they have a very good side."

(Editing by Ken Ferris)