Spain Beats Portugal On Penalties to Reach Euro 2012 Final

It's a horrible way to decide a football match but it needs to be done somehow, and Spain were able to hold their nerve and defeat Portugal 4-2 on penalties to book their place in Sunday's Euro 2012 final.

Over the course of ninety minutes Portugal and Spain could only muster one shot on target, but that only told a small portion of the story. Portugal had a tremendous game plan that stifled Del Bosque's men who looked tired after their recent excursions. Without creating any clear cut chances, Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were able to match the current world champions and it really looked like an upset was on the cards.

In the second half though they tired, but Spain still looked far from their best. Extra time looked certain and as the ninetieth minute rolled over, Portugal were handed their greatest chance with their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo being placed through one on one with Iker Casillas - only to blast it over the bar.

Extra Time saw Spain dominate with Iniesta and substitute Jesus Navas forcing the Portugese goalkeeper Rui Patricio into sensational saves. Portugal were now exhausted and a penalty shoot out looked like the only way they would win the match.

Unfortunately for them Bruno Alves and Joao Mountinho missed their spot kicks and they had to watch Cesc Fabregas roll his in which allowed Spain to reach their 3 final in a row. They will either meet Italy or Germany on Sunday, with these European giants meeting on Thursday night to decide their fate.