Goalkeeper Ramos seeks Spain gain

Spain goalkeeper Felipe Ramos is calling on his team-mates to "reach a higher level" as the holders continue their title defence with a semi-final against the side who preceded them as UEFA European Under-19 champions, France.

Penalty save
The holders reached the last four for the third time in four seasons with a goalless draw against Greece on Saturday, Ramos saving Kostas Mitroglou's second-half penalty to secure first place in Group A. "I had some luck with the penalty but we've played well so far," the Real Madrid CF Castilla goalkeeper told uefa.com. "Our first aim was to get to the semi-finals and thanks to a win in the first match we’ve managed to achieve that. Now we need to go on. We're happy with how we've played until now, we're still unbeaten but we can get a lot better. All the players can step up to a higher level and hopefully we can do that in our next match."

Semi-final successes
That next match is at the Waldstadion in Pasching on Tuesday evening and Ramos recognises his side have to improve again if they are to reach a second successive final. "A semi-final is always a different match, we've won our group and now we must improve on what we've done so far and get to the final. This is my first semi-final at international level, although I've played a few with Real Madrid and won them all, so I hope to keep that going. Perhaps there is extra pressure on us as holders and with Spain's record in this competition over the years, but we haven't been thinking about that. It hasn't affected us in any way."

New-look squad
Something that might have had an impact on Spain's campaign was the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which left them with only nine of their Elite round squad while Juan Santisteban took over as coach from Ginés Meléndez, although Ramos – who has replaced Sergio Asenjo in goal for these finals – does not feel plans were disrupted. "New players have come in and they've taken the chance to show how good they are; they've stepped up to the same level as the rest of us," he explained. "Juan Santisteban and Ginés Meléndez are both top-class coaches, they've got plenty of experience and have achieved a lot. They're different people of course but the transition has been quite straightforward."

'Complete team'
Having conceded only once in their first three matches the holder's success has been built on a strong defence, although Ramos believes that excellence is reflected throughout the team as Spain look for a fourth U19 title in six seasons. "Obviously we always look to keep clean sheets, we've defended very well so far and we have to keep that going against France and in the final if we get there. Our defence is very strong but we're good in every position and in every area of the field. We've got good players all over the pitch; it's a complete team."