Reigning European champions Spain overcame the Netherlands in dramatic fashion, winning 5-4 on penalties after a breathtaking 3-3 draw in Valencia. Following a 2-2 stalemate in the first leg, the tie remained delicately poised.

France struck early when Kylian Mbappe, not wearing a mask after breaking his nose earlier in the tournament, picked out Randal Kolo Muani who headed in from close range for his side’s first goal from open play at the tournament.

At the same venue in which France manager Didier Deschamps hit back at the critics of his side's style, saying that those who think his side are "boring" should "go watch something else", De la Fuente said he admired his rivals' game.

"His (Mbappe's) level could be slightly lower than his usual level, but 50 percent of Kylian Mbappe could be 100 percent of any other player."