Spain 'full of hope' ahead of Germany semi-final, says Del Castillo

Athenea del Catillo says Spain are "full of hope" as they set their sights on a first European Championship final.

Spain will face Germany on Wednesday for a place in the showpiece as they look to add a Euros title to their accolades, having won the World Cup and Nations League over the last two years.

La Roja brushed aside hosts Switzerland 2-0 in the quarter-final, with Del Castillo netting the opening goal.

However, they face a sterner test against eight-time champions Germany, who overcame France 6-5 on penalties, having drawn 1-1 after extra time despite being a player down since the 13th minute.

Spain have won each of their last eight games at major tournaments, as many as they had in their first 26 World Cup/Euros matches combined (D5 L13).

And Del Castillo says the team are confident of overcoming Germany in just their second-ever Euros semi-final.

"We are full of hope. We are so excited. We dream of being European champions, but to do that we need to win on Wednesday, so all our energy is going into that game," Del Castillo told AFP.

"We know all about the potential in the German team. They are a great side who have been European champions eight times after all.

"I think we have matured a lot since [the Paris Olympics, where Spain lost to Germany].

"We are better at controlling games in different moments now. I think that will help us, but it will, above all, be about staying calm and focusing on our objective."

Spain were the favourites to win the title prior to the tournament, according to the Opta supercomputer, but they have now dropped to second.

They are given a 54% chance of reaching the final, with their hopes of winning the title sitting at 31%, behind defending champions, England (36%).

This is the third meeting between Germany and Spain at a major tournament, with Germany winning both previous meetings without conceding a goal.

And Spain have lost their last two matches against Germany in all competitions. However, they have not lost three consecutive matches against the same opponent since a run of three to the United States between January 2019 and March 2020.

Aitana Bonmati, who returned to the Spain squad after being hospitalised with viral meningitis prior to the tournament, says beating Germany would showcase the squad's ambition.

"[Beating Germany would mean] excitement, ambition, and the desire to continue conquering the world," she told Marca.

"In recent years, we've won a World Cup and a Nations League, and we're still missing the European Championship, which is very important for us. Now we have to focus on this match, which is no small feat.

"In the end, as cliche as it may be, the truth is we have to take it game by game. You can't think about the final when you have to beat Germany first. What we've done so far is useless.

"It's great to reach the semis, but it's pointless. We have to focus solely on Wednesday's game, on every play, every moment, on playing our game. If we have to celebrate later, we'll enjoy it."