Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes his side's blockbuster last-eight clash with Germany would be a worthy final at Euro 2024.
The two sides - described as "giant powers of European football" by La Roja's boss - go head to head in an eagerly anticipated encounter at Stuttgart Arena on Friday.
Spain, who topped Group B with maximum points, are the only nation at the tournament to have won all four matches thus far, while Germany collected seven points in Group A before overcoming Denmark 2-0 in the last 16.
Both teams are seeking a record-breaking fourth European Championship triumph, and whoever prevails here will be widely expected to go on and lift the Henri Delaunay cup on July 14.
And De la Fuente is relishing what will be a repeat of the 2008 final, which La Roja won 1-0 thanks to Fernando Torres' sole strike.
"It could have been the final of the European Championship, and it'll be an even game on a footballing level," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
"Germany always start games in a really powerful way, so obviously we'll try to counteract that. We'll try to take the initiative and go all-out from the first minute.
"These are two giant powers of European football and the first thing I'd say about my team is that one of our great strengths is that we always perform as one unified block. In that respect, us and Germany are in fact quite similar.
"I wouldn't change my players for anyone in the world. For me, my players are the best in the world. We're fully prepared to go out there and try to win. We feel lots of responsibility, and we're extremely focused."
Asked if he thought the winners of this game will go on to lift the trophy, the coach added: "There are other powerful teams in other ties. The closer you get to the final, only the best remain.
"Nothing is free here. Whoever goes through will go through because they're a great team. In football, the best team doesn't always go through.
"I don’t know if [the winners] will be one of the favourites to win the title, but we see ourselves as a very strong team with the potential to fight for it."
Dani Carvajal concurred with De la Fuente, and the Real Madrid defender believes the contest will be determined by the finest of margins.
"I have a great feeling [about the game]," he said. "I can see from my team-mates that everyone is relaxed.
"We know we have to play a great game to beat them, but I can see a confident and energetic team. It's a 50-50 game in which details will make all the difference.
"Man for man, they have world-class players. They have fast wingers, tough centre-backs and people who like to have the ball at their feet. We have similar qualities to them.
"It depends on if they will sit back or press high. That's going to define how close we get to their goal, and maybe the pace of the game."
Calhanoglu regrets Turkiye's defensive tactics in Netherlands collapse
Hakan Calhanoglu said he regrets Turkiye's defensive approach in their 2-1 loss to the Netherlands as they bowed out of Euro 2024.
Turkiye took the lead through Samet Akaydin's 35th minute header, becoming the seventh different goalscorer for Vincenzo Montella's side in the tournament.
However, Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Muldur own goal turned things around for the Netherlands, setting up a semi-final clash with England next Wednesday.
Having taken the lead, Turkiye aimed to defend it, but that came with a cost as Ronald Koeman's side ramped up the pressure in the second half.
Montella's side had 43.4% possession and completed 182 passes in the first half, compared to just 37.6% and 112 following the interval.
"When we look at the tournament in general, teams that take a 1-0 lead generally sit back," Calhanoglu said.
"I don’t know why this is the case, but it was the same for us today. We sat back a lot," he told reporters.
"We conceded two goals in seven minutes, which of course hurt us a little. In the end, we tried to try and had a chance with long balls, but we couldn't take advantage.
"Sometimes things like this happen in football. We need to learn from this. I am proud of everyone."
Turkiye impressed at the tournament, reaching the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time since 2008.
The nation are set to co-host Euro 2032 along with Italy, and Calhanoglu believes his side can use their experience in Germany to build towards a bright future.
"As long as we are united, as long as we are together, we can achieve anything. We have always shown this," he said.
Nathan Ake says the Netherlands are "very close" to achieveing their dream ahead of their Euro 2024 semi-final with England.
The Netherlands had to come from behind to beat Turkiye 2-1 on Saturday night thanks to a header from Stefan de Vrij and Mert Muldur's own goal in Berlin.
That triumph set up a semi-final clash with England in Dortmund next Wednesday.
And Ake is relishing the opportunity of facing several of his Manchester City team-mates, saying the Oranje are within touching distance of securing a first major international honour since 1988.
"I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of players I know from the Premier League," said Ake.
"We know their individual qualities and it’s a semi-final so it will be tough. We’re building momentum.
"We came through tough stages at the start of the tournament and now we’ve got through another test so I think we’re ready for it.
"Underdog or not - it doesn’t matter. We focus on ourselves. We know what we need to do. We are very close now."
The Netherlands, much like England, have been subject to criticism for their performances at the tournament so far.
Ronaldo Koeman's side progressed to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, having taken four points from Group D fixtures.
The Netherlands eased past Romania in the last 16 with arguably their best performance of the tournament, before showing their powers of recovery against Turkiye.
"You can play good football but still go out," Cody Gakpo, who is the joint-top scorer at the tournament, said.
"Obviously I think everyone knows each country can play a little bit better but if you win, that's all that matters."
Copa America exit a 'learning experience' for Panama, says Christiansen
Thomas Christiansen believes Panama's exit from the Copa America will prove to be a "learning experience" for his players following their defeat to Colombia.
Panama had no answers to a James Rodriguez-inspired performance, bowing out of the competition after a 5-0 defeat to Los Cafeteros in Arizona.
Christiansen's side reached the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history, having fallen in the group stages in 2016.
Panama finished second in Group C in this year's edition behind Uruguay, while also knocking out hosts United States out in the process.
Los Canaleros knew the enormity of the task ahead of them and have now failed to beat Colombia in their 15 fixtures against them (drawn four, lost 11).
However, head coach Christiansen was proud of his team's efforts and knows his players will return stronger from the defeat.
"I am very proud of my players, of what they have achieved in this Copa America," Christiansen said.
"Of course, no one likes losing and much the less 5-0, but we have to commend the players for this Copa America.
"It did not end as we wished, but this is also a learning experience."
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