Spain and France please coaches

Spain are on the verge of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 4-0 to move three points clear in Group A. Coach Ginés Meléndez said his team "were better throughout". France are second after Paul Pogba's goal beat Portugal and coach Guy Ferrier, whose side ended with two players sent off and another on a suspension for Monday's decisive match with all-but-eliminated Swizerland, praised the scorer after "his best game for a year".

SPAIN 4-0 SWITZERLAND
Ginés Meléndez, Spain coach
We have lots of respect for Switzerland, but Spain were better throughout. We dominated in all facets of the game and showed lots of personality. I congratulate all the players but especially Paco after he scored a hat-trick in a European Championship. We knew that Switzerland were a good team and that we couldn't afford any mistakes, especially in defence. We saw that they beat Germany [in the elite round] so we were ready. We especially did a good job in defence and stopped them getting the ball up front.

Heinz Moser, Switzerland coach
Switzerland and Spain had two chances in the first half; Spain scored two and Switzerland zero. We were disappointed with the third goal just after half-time though because four players watched on as he scored. But in the second half we realised how strong Spain are both technically and physically. We hoped they would not be strong in defence, but they were and the result could have been even better for them. We did not have a player who could force the game and react to these difficult situations. We were without a leader.

FRANCE 1-0 PORTUGAL
Guy Ferrier, France coach
It was a very good game for youth level. We knew Portugal were a very fast team, good in midfield, and that was our problem to solve. After the first red card we had to maintain the pressure on Portugal, I hope it is not a Pyrrhic victory that will take its toll against Switzerland. Paul Pogba is a very good player but when he arrived in Liechtenstein he was not ready, physically and especially mentally. When he arrived he was not a player for the team but we found a good solution. Tonight he did what I expect from him. It was his best game for a year.

Rui Bento, Portugal coach
Each match has its own story, it differs from one game to the other and it is the same with opponents. We prepared as well as we could but sometimes we lacked focus. I regret that we didn't score, we risked as much as we could but tonight was not our night. I want to underline that I am happy with my players' performances.