Euro2012: Spain just about beat Portugal on penalties

The 2012 European Championships is now in the semifinals with Portugal taking on defending champions Spain at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine. Portugal scored a lone goal win against the Czech Republic, while Spain won unconvincingly 2-0 against a weak France.


SEMIFINAL #1

Portugal 0-0,2-4 Spain [on penalties]
Goals: none

In the end Cesc Fàbregas converted the winning spot kick as defending champions Spain beat Iberian neighbours Portugal 4-2 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes in the first semifinal in Donetsk, Ukraine at the 2012 European Championships.

It was often an intense and tension-ridden match, but not of the high quality that many hoped for or even expected as Portugal often was able to deny Spain their needed space while Portugal's attack was dependant on Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani on the wings.

Spain had the first chance of the match through an Álvaro Arbeloa attempt over the goal in the 9th minute. Thereafter the match was mainly played in midfield before Andres Iniesta and Ronaldo had chances on both sides in the first session. Spain coach Vicente del Bosque changed things in the second session with Jesus Navas and Pedro coming for the wings and the tiring Portuguese had especially their problems in extra-time with Spain pressing for a winner, but the match went into penalty shootouts.

The first set of penalties from Xabi Alonso for Spain and Joao Moutinho for Portugal was saved by the two goalkeepers. Thereafter all scored before Portugal's Bruno Alves missed the fourth penalty and then a shaky Cesc Fabregas scored the final penalty for Spain to secure a 4-2 win.