It finished 3-3 on the night at the Mestalla, and 5-5 on aggregate after Thursday’s draw in Rotterdam. Three spot-kicks were scored during regulation time and a shoot-out was required to separate the sides in this epic quarter-final. It went the way of Spain, by five goals to four, and so it is they who will meet France in the semis in June.

Spain took the lead on eight minutes when Mikel Oyarzabal was felled in the box, and the Real Sociedad forward picked himself up before hammering his penalty into the bottom right corner.

Cucurella won the ball back and set up a chance for Nico Williams as Spain sought a second, but it was the Netherlands who struck next courtesy of another spot-kick, this one converted by Memphis Depay on the occasion of his 100th international appearance.

The game hung in the balance with both sides looking dangerous in attack, and it was from a rapid counter Spain restored their lead on the night, and on aggregate, Oyarzabal converting a Williams pass at the second attempt.

The Netherlands refused to lie down, though, and former Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen marked his senior international debut with a fine goal 11 minutes from time.

For the second time in four days, it finished 2-2 between Spain and the Netherlands after 90 minutes, so an additional half-hour was required.

Shortly before half-time in extra-time, Lamine Yamal collected a long pass, cut inside onto his left and fired a superb finish into the far to give Spain a lead for the third time.

It lasted eight minutes, as Xavi Simons became the third spot-kick scorer of the night after Unai Simon had brought him down in the box.

In the shoot-out, both sides missed their fourth penalty, and it was fitting it continued into sudden death. Donyell Malen’s effort was saved by Simon, and Pedri made no mistake with the next spot-kick, ensuring Spain’s Nations League journey continues. They will play France, who required penalties to beat Croatia, in the semis.

In Lisbon, Filip Jorgensen was an unused sub for Denmark who lost 5-2 after extra-time, and 5-3 on aggregate, against Portugal. Pedro Neto and Renato Veiga were not in the hosts’ squad, while Joao Felix remained on the bench. Portugal will play Germany in the other semi-final.

In an Under-18 friendly, an England team containing two Chelsea youngsters drew 2-2 with France. Jack Austin played the first 45 minutes in the England goal as the Young Lions went in 2-0 up. Ollie Harrison, meanwhile, completed the full game as the French fought back to draw in Freamunde.

England Under-18s’ final fixture of this camp is against hosts Portugal on Tuesday.