Euro Cup 2012 Semi Final Result – Portugal (2)0 – 0(4) Spain()* score after penalties.

The Game kicks off with spain pushing forward and already passing the ball forward more quickly than they have in previous matches. Portugal are pressing high up the pitch and are trying to make it difficult for the Spanish but I have to say its not having much of an effect on the spanish’s flowing passing. Spain have the first chance of the match as Iniesta and Alba intricately pass through the Portuguese defence and the shot goes over the bar by Arbeloa.

5 minutes later Portugal have their first chance with Ronaldo sprinting with the ball and putting in a decent cross which is well caught Casillas, seems to have given the Portuguese more confidence as they have a decent spell of possession. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be a nuisance to the Spanish defence and the Portugals look dangerous here.

Spain passing around well again now but the Portuguese still look threatening when they can get the ball. Around the 25 minute mark here and Ronaldo tries a left foot volley on the turn which goes very high and wide.. when its him.. why not!? The Portuguese still pressing and moving forward, they look very threatening and are the better team so far. They’re winning the ball high up the pitch and really panicking the Spanish defence, almost unseen this kind of tactic against the spanish and it seems to be working.

Nani has been excellent so far on the right side of the pitch and he spanish’s game isn’t going to plan at all their passing hasn’t been good and their movement isn’t even close to Portugals. The game is slowing slight now as the game nears the half time mark. Neither team ahead but both look dangerous, Spain have had more possession but Portugal have been the more dangerous team. The half time score is Portugal 0 – 0 Spain.

The second half kicks off and Spain seem to have come out with more purpose, having more possession now and quickening the tempo of their passing. Still not the Spain we are used to but they look much better in the first half. Portugal are still hustling them for possession and hitting spain on the counter. Spain are the first to make a substitution after just 7 minutes into the second half with Negredo coming off for Fabregas.

Portugal looking to come more into this game here, Ronaldo is running the game in the centre for the Portuguese, something looks like it might happen when hes on the ball.. no other player looks as dangerous at the moment. The Referee is showing a few yellow card now, all a bit unnecessary.

The tempo has slowed slightly as we reach the 63rd minute. Portugal roaming forward with Ronaldo on the right attempting to get the better of several players. A minute later and spain pass a move with Fabregas moving forward and winning a free-kick on the edge of the area. Cynical challenge and yet another card this time for Perriera.

Spain having a period of sustained pressure on the Portugal defence, but it doesn’t last for too long and Portugal regain possession and the game becomes very 50/50 again. 71 minutes in here and Ronaldo has a free-kick from 30 yards out which dips at the last minute but is still a foot over the bar, really good effort.

The spanish have definitely been better in the second half but the Portuguese defence are still able to defend all the the spanish have had to throw at them in this game. Almeida come off for Nelson Oliveira, I do have just just say this is the best Nani has played in a while, for club and country. Another free-kick in a similar position to the first for Ronaldo which hits a hand in the wall so he gets another go this time a bit closer. Arbeloa gets a card for the hand ball in the wall and the second free-kick over the top of the bar.

5 minutes left of normal time and you have to say this game looks like its going to extra time. Xavi comes off for Pedro as spain complete their substitutions here. Massive moment there in the last minute of normal time Portugal break with 4 on 2 sprinting towards the goal when Ronaldo out to the left hammers his shot over the bar.. he knows that was a golden opportunity to win the game there. The whistle goes as this game goes to extra time.

Extra Time kicks off here with neither team having a real stint in possession, the game has slowed dramatically as well as both teams know they have to last at least another 30 minutes. Iniesta with the best chance of extra time so far, the ball comes out of the box as he strikes it with real pace but it is well blocked by Bruno Alves.

After 10 minutes of Extra time the Portuguese look tired some of the players just seem to be coasting in this game now, not the same desire as they we showing when they were on top of this game. Outstanding chance for spain some really good play by Pedro to keep the ball alive and he feeds Alba who crosses for Iniesta and its well saved by Rui Patricio.. Really good chance there.. the Portuguese are falling asleep at the moment.

Ramos thunders a free-kick from all of 3 yard and it just went a whisker over the bar and that was a really good strike. The half time whistle goes and Portugal can make their change with Custodio replacinf Veloso in the middle of the park.

Iniesta has improved leaps and bounds as the game has progressed, you get the feeling that Portugal are playing for penalties and Spain are trying to win in extra time. Navas forces a good save from Patricio in the Portuguese goal from a tight angle. A few minutes later and Alonso makes a late challenge on Ronaldo and earns the 10Th yellow card of the game.

Portugal riding their luck in the closing minutes of extra time. The spanish are being more ambitious in their passing and movement. As much as it pains me to say it Pepe has been solid in the Portuguese defence, it doesnt excuse his rolling around on the floor, but he has been really good in this game. Its Penalties here!

Spain to start!
Spain – Xabi Alonso: SAVED! BRILLIANT SAVE! UNBELIEVABLE save!
Portugal – Joao Moutinho: SAVED! ANOTHER BRILLIANT SAVE! this is a goalkeeping show tonight!
Spain – Andres Iniesta: Scores! first goal of the game! well taken!
Portugal – Pepe: Scores! Casillas is very close to getting that!
Spain – Gerard Pique: Scores! As cool as you like, struck it well!
Portugal – Nani: Scores! Very nice! Impossible for Casillas!
Spain – Sergio Ramos: Scores! A little dink there, quality penalty!
Portugal – Bruno Alves: HITS THE BAR! and theSpanish Celebrate! If Spain score they win!
Spain – Fabregas: SCORES! Hits the post and goes in! Ronaldo doesn’t even get to take one!

SPAIN ARE THROUGH 4 – 2 on penalties!