Casillas the savior as Spain survive the Portuguese scare.
Cesc Fabregas netted the winning goal from the spot after Bruno Alves failed to score as La Roja emerge victorious in an all Iberian tie to book their place into the final of UEFA Euro 2012
Spain's team shit sprung a surprise as Sevilla's young striker Alvaro Negredo found his place in the starting 11 from nowhere as Del Bosque decided to bench both Fabregas and Farnendo Torres. On the other hand, Portugal manager Paulo Bento had to bring in Hugo Almeida to replace their injured striker Helder Postiga.
Portugal went on all out attack from the start and the gamble worked. La Roja struggled to control the game as the first few minutes went by. But the first clear cut chance went to Spain as Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba initiated a superb give-and-go before the former passing the ball into the box. Negredo could not get a shot away but managed to release the ball for an already waiting Arbeloa. His shot flew over the bar as a golden opportunity fell for Spain.
But the Spanish could not control the game and as a result, Cristiano Ronaldo found himself charging from the left flank with the ball quiet often. His electric pace and superb trickery were proving to be too much for the Spanish. But the Portuguese captain failed to get a goal as he over hit a free kick and blasted a wildly attempted volley into the crowd.
The score at half time was a nil-nil, thankfully for the still unsettled Spanish.
The gamble of Negredo did not work as Del Bosque replaced him with Fabregas just after 9 minutes of the second half.
Hugo Almeida was the biggest disappointment for the Portuguese as he blasted 3 shots well over and wide of the goal when he could have passed on the chances to his team mates. But the Portuguese were least concerned as they continued to create chances after chances. Spain were still out of the game.
After nearly an hour gone, Spain's purple patch started. As a result chances began coming for the La Roja. But portugal were never out of the game as they continued with their attacking style. Ronaldo missed a good free kick opportunity as he drilled his effort well over the bar.
Ronaldo was then guilty for missing a golden opportunity as the Portuguese found themselves 4 on 1 in a counter attack only to see their captain completely mishitting his shot.
The match moved into the extra time as it ended goalless.
The 30 extra time minutes were those of Spain as the La Roja were allowed to dominate the game by a tired Portugal side. The Spanish began to find good openings and had some great chances. Iniesta missed a sitter in front of the goal as he was brilliantly denied by Rui Patricio. Patricio was at it again as he saved a Jesus Navas shot. The 2 incredible saves were enough for Portugal to take the match into penalties.
Moutinho and Alonso missed their attempts before Iniesta, Pepe, Pique, Nani and Ramos all scored from the spot. Bruno Alves then struck the bar to hand over the advantage to Spain. Fabregas then scored from the spot to win it for the La Roja.
Spain will now play the winner of Italy-Germany match.
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