Spain 0-0 Portugal (Spain win 4-2 on penalties)
The current Spanish side is the strongest in the world and the can prove it. The current European and World Champions have nothing left to prove. The next thing on their agenda now is to be the first team ever to defend their European Championship. Right now, they only have the Italians or the Germans in their way.
Italy met Spain in their opening group match which ended in a draw. Germany on the other hand were famously defeated by Spain in the World Cup semi-finals. It was effectively the finals since everyone thought that Germany was the best team in the tournament. This time, it's going to be an interesting final match either way with most of the Spanish and German side still composed of their World Cup teams. Italy have had several changes but still remain strong. Incidentally, they won the World Cup before Spain back in 2006.
Last night, the Spanish side played their signature style of football which was booed to no end in the stadium in Donetsk. It seems like many fans find the endless passing boring and are looking for a more aggressive strategy. I must say that this style works no matter how boring it might be. That was exactly how Spain forced a much younger and energetic German side to exhaustion in their World Cup semi-final.
However, the lack of finishing hurt them against Portugal. They dominated possession in the first half but were unable to find the back of the net. In the second half, a more aggressive Portuguese side were able to break the Spanish composure and controlled the tempo.
Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to convert two successive free kicks and a few other opportunities.
Andres Iniesta managed a strong shot on target in overtime but it unfortunately went straight into the keeper's hands. The Spanish side poured on the pressure and regained their control of the match during overtime but the match ended in a goal-less draw even after over time.
During the penalty shoot-out everyone was anticipating the selection and speculating as to whether or not Sergio Ramos will be lined up. everyone remembers how he sent his ball to the moon in Real Madrid's semi-final defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League just two months ago.
"I wanted to take a penalty, especially after the bad experience in the Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid" said Ramos. He took a shot and beautifully kicked the ball still high but definitely in the net this time. His team mate Jordi alba was quick to defend him "Sergio Ramos got a lot of stick after missing against Bayern but he showed a lot of cool and he shut a few people up."
Cesc Fabregas scored the winning penalty which luckily bounced in after it hit the bar to the keeper's right. This was after Portugal's fourth attempt by Bruno Alves hit the top bar and flew out. this left Cristiano ronaldo completely heartbroken since he was not even able to come to the spot to take his shot. Saving the best for last proved futile for Portugal since Fabregas firmly kicked them out of the competition before Ronaldo can rescue them.
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