Spanish Domination

Spanish Domination

Spain are through to yet another final of a major tournament, but not without a fight from the Portuguese. Going into this game Spain were odds on favorites to win the match and march on to the final but Portugal started well. The Portuguese pressed hard, defended well and disrupted Spain's usual "tiki-taka" style. Over the 90 minutes players from both sides had good opportunities to put their side ahead. First Iniesta with a wonderful header at the near post which looked to be heading to the bottom corner which brought about a fine save from the Portuguese keeper Rui Patricio. The Portuguese did have their chances from a number of set pieces yet Ronaldo couldn't find his range and put one in the back of the net, and just as the 90 minutes were coming to an end and extra time was in sight the Portuguese had a glorious chance to steal a victory when they countered quickly after defending a Spanish corner kick. The Portuguese broke quickly with Raul Meireles finding Ronaldo in space, but Ronaldo's shot was poor and ended up going high and wide. With it all level after 90 minutes it was down to extra time. Spain got out the blocks fast and looked full of energy and began to finally start moving the ball around like only Spain can, though, they could not find an opening and after extra time it was once again all level and down to penalties to decide who would take their place in the final of Euro 2012. With the real drama set to begin in the penalty shootout, expectations were that Ronaldo would step up first to put his team ahead but was instead jotted down at number five. Fortunately for Spain, it didn't come down to the fifth penalty as Bruno Alves' spot kick was hit against the crossbar and then stepped up the Barcelona man Cesc Fabregas who stuck his spot kick away to win it and send Spain into their third consecutive final of a major international tournament. It was a sad ending to Portugal's great run in the tournament, as the Portuguese captain was left with an expression of astonishment on his face. Ronaldo did so much for the Iberian underdogs at the European Championships but he had no say in their final effort to seal a place in the final as he didn't even get to take a penalty kick. All eyes will now turn to the final as the current European and World champions Spain prepare to take on the Azzurri at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv on Sunday.