Portugal gunned down at penalty, Spain into Final

Spain beat Portugal 4-2 on penalties after the two sides fail to score in 120 minutes. 

After a fairly slow start by their standards, Spain started to pass the ball around well in the first half, but there was more urgency about their play than in earlier games in the tournament.

Portugal had seen more of the ball in the opening few minutes of the game, but with Cristiano Ronaldo not yet involved, by the 15 minute mark, Spain was on top, with Alvaro Arbeloa and Andres Iniesta having shots from distance.

As soon as Ronaldo started to see more of the ball, Portugal side improved. Although Bento's men were not able to create huge numbers of chances, after 25 minutes, they pushed Spain back on their back foot. Alvaro Negredo, Bosque's choice instead of Torres, seemed non-threatening. 

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Iniesta had another sight on goal but his shot was over the bar. A moment later, a Portugal responded with fast break ended in Ronaldo hitting the side net. 

After first half goalless, Portugal were arguably the more impressive side, working hard to close down the Spanish midfield, and trying their best to win the ball quickly. 

Portugal continued their excellent work in the early stages of the second half, pressing high up the pitch and putting Spain under pressure.

Vicente del Bosque sensed trouble and a much needed change was introduced. Cesc Fabregas in and Negredo out, Spain's only striker barely saw the ball during his 52 minutes on the field. 

Less than ten minutes later, with Spain still failing to take control of the game, Navas came in to replace Silva, who under performed as well. 

Slowly, the changes started to make a difference, and Spain's midfield were becoming more threatening. However as the game reached the 70 minute mark, the defending champions had registered just one shot on target.

Ronaldo won a free-kick for Portugal thirty yards from goal, but fired his set-piece narrowly over the bar, and as the game entered the final 15 minutes, it looked increasingly likely that either an individual moment of genius, or an individual error, would settle the game in 90 minutes.

Portugal brought Nelson Oliveira on for Almeida for the final ten minutes as they looked to find a late winner. Ronaldo had another free-kick which he sent over the crossbar.

Spain made their final change with five minutes remaining, with Pedro coming on for Xavi, and Del Bosque deciding to leave Fernando Llorente and Fernando Torres on the bench.

Portugal had a chance to win it in the final minute, with four white shirts breaking forward. But the move ended with Ronaldo once again missing the target, as 90 minutes ended goalless - and with just one shot on target all game.

While the first half was intriguing, the second was disappointing, and it seemed that both teams were already thinking of penalty shoot-out in early stage of extra time. Portugal were tiring quickly, while Spain continued to struggle to create clear chances.

Spain could have finally moved the scoreline just before half-time in extra-time, with Iniesta going close only for Rui Patricio to superbly tip his shot away.

In the second period of extra-time, it was Del Bosque's men who looked more likely to score. Navas, who had looked sharp since being introduced, went close, only for Patricio to save well again.

But although Spain finished strongly, they were unable to find the back of the net, with the game going to penalties after 120 minutes of goalless football. 

Xabi Alonso stepped up to take Spain's first penalty, only for his shot to be saved by Patricio. But Portugal's first spot-kick was also saved, with Iker Casillas denying Moutinho.

Iniesta then stepped up and found the back of the net to put Spain ahead, before Pepe levelled things.

Gerard Pique once again put the Spaniards ahead, then Manchester United winger Nani again levelled the score in the shoot-out.

Sergio Ramos then stepped forward and "did a Pirlo", dinking his spot-kick and beating Patricio. Bruno Alves stepped up next for Portugal, looking less than comfortable, and blasted his spot-kick against the crossbar.

Fabregas then stepped up and converted his spot-kick, sending Spain through to Sunday's final, where they will play either Germany or Italy.