Spain rode its luck to reach its third major final in a row and Portugal was the better team for long periods, coach Vicente del Bosque said after a 4-2 win on penalties in their Euro 2012 semifinal on Wednesday.

The goalless Iberian derby began and ended brightly, but was full of largely stalemate soccer for extended spells in between.

"We had loads of luck in the penalties," Del Bosque said. "But I want to express my congratulations to the Portuguese side because they played a great tournament, but we were luckier, we really had all the luck this time."

He also said Portugal played well overall, defended better than Spain for periods and looked dangerous in attack, but that his substitutions - bringing on Jesus Navas and Pedro for David Silva and Xavi - changed the outcome.

"We created more when they came on, we caused them more problems and it was vital I brought them on. We were looking tired and we needed the extra pace, especially in extra time when Pedro came on," he said.

"Extra time though proved our players are gaining in experience. They had the mental strength, they could deal with it."

Del Bosque said he had no difficulty finding players to take the penalties with Xabi Alonso - who missed - Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Fabregas all keen.

"There was no problem, Cesc told me he wanted take the fifth one to score the winning penalty and he did," he said.

The coach was not worried or particularly bothered who Spain would meet in Sunday's final in Kiev. Its opponent will be known after Italy plays Germany in the second semifinal in Warsaw on Thursday.

"That will be a great game, and whoever we play, we play. I don't mind. Whoever we face in the final, will be a very tough opponent," he said.

(China Daily 06/29/2012 page24)