The former Liverpool man played a huge part in ensuring the defending champions overcame Les Bleus 2-0 with a first-half header and a late penalty in Donetsk to set up a meeting with Portugal on Wednesday.

"We're through to the semi-finals, which was the main thing," said the Real Madrid player. "We're pleased about that. The 100 caps is just an extra.

"It's in these matches that we have to show what we're about. We controlled it from start to finish. The team made things easy.

"I was happy about my 100th game and the goals. We know every game is difficult now, but we're in the semi-finals and we're going to give it everything.

"We controlled the match, though we knew it would not be easy against opponents that were defending deep. You have to know how to play them."

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas knows Spain face a stiff test against Portugal.

The ex-Arsenal man added: "Portugal will be very difficult. They have strong individuals, strong players.

"Apart from their good open play, they are very good on the counter-attack, and we'll have to work hard in that game.

"They have Ronaldo, Nani, Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho. They have very good players.

"We played really well in the first half – actually one of the best first halves in the tournament

"The most important thing is that Spain won."