Ramos eager to seize chance

Luis Aragones' side are in a buoyant mood having knocked out world champions Italy on Sunday to maintain their unbeaten run in the finals.

"We are convinced that can reach the final," Ramos said. "This is a unique opportunity and we are two games away from doing something that has not been achieved by the national team for a long time."

He added: "We need to be more united than ever and think about the group in order to progress."

Spain won the European Championships back in 1964 but have struggled in major tournaments ever since.

That has not been in the case in Austria and Switzerland, however, where Spain cruised in the group stages before holding their nerves against the Italians to win 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out.

La Seleccion must now get the job done and it will be no easy task, according to Ramos.

He was very impressed by Russia's 3-1 triumph over Holland after extra-time and believes his team will make a huge mistake to take the Russians lightly.

Spain beat Russia 4-1 in their first game of the tournament but Guus Hiddink's men have bounced back in style.

"Russia have surprised all of us and they are playing some very interesting football," he said. "It should be an open game and we just hope the result will go in our way."