Spain coach hails team's performance 'fantastic'

VIENNA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Spain coach Luis Aragones hailed his team's performance "fantastic" after the semifinal match against Russia which Spain won 3-0 here on Thursday.

Spain dominated the rematch between the two sides at Euro 2008.In their opening round group match, Spain also beat Russia by three goals -- 4-1.

"We started playing the kind of football that Russia like - long passes and so on - but when we started touching the ball we were more complete, both attacking and defending. We scored three goals and in a semifinal match that's very difficult indeed," Aragones said.

"We talked it over at half-time and said we had to quicken the pace because we knew if we scored we would hurt them badly, and that's what happened.

"When Russia tried to attack we were very good too, we kept the ball well. It's fantastic the way we're playing," said Aragones.

"I'm very happy for the players. They deserve to be champions, but we still have enough tough game against Germany ahead. When we came to the tournament we knew we had a good team and could go very far and people have learned. We've had a tough time in some matches but we've always believed in ourselves and we have a great team."

Russia coach Guus Hiddink said:"After being defeated we're disappointed, which is very logical. We could live with Spain in the first half and for part of the second, but their plan was to tire us with their very good positional game.

"That meant our marking was a bit loose in midfield and we ended up chasing our opponents. Then they had the power and the quality to strike, make a hit and score. It was a very deserved win," Hiddink said.

"I'm always disappointed after a loss but we can be proud to reach this final stage; it's a tremendous success. Tonight we came up against a very strong team and they deserved the win. I hope they have a good final," saod Hiddink.

Spain will play against Germany in the final on Sunday.