"Notts in the semi-final is some people's dream final so it's going to be tough for us, " he added.

BBC: Somerset's Kieron Pollard looks to leave T20 stamp

The victory sets up a semifinal date with either Chelsea or Benfica, who play Wednesday, but all eyes will be on a possible "dream final" between Barcelon and Real Madrid in Munich on May 19.

CNN: Messi stars as Barca reach semifinals

He had hoped to crown his eight years in the job by leading his team into Saturday's final, but that dream vanished when his side went down 14-9 to England in last week's semifinal in Paris.

CNN: Laporte bows out with nine changes

And just minutes later Thuram scored again to put France into the final and end brave Croatia's dream.

BBC: Croatia's rise from obscurity

Ferrer has a glittering collection of winners medals, including five Spanish championships, the European Cup and an Olympic gold, but fears a cup final exit could also spell the end of his Euro 2000 dream.

BBC: Ferrer agonises over Euro 2000 chances

His career dream was to be a pilot, but that was thwarted when he failed the final year of school.

FORBES: BY LUCINDA SCHMIDT