Spain beats Portugal to advance to Euros Finals

Posted On 28 Jun 2012

Spain are through to the finals of the ongoing Euro Champions in Poland and Ukraine beating Portugal in the first semi finals of the tournament.

This game was billed a match between Ronaldo and football masters Spain. With an impressive array of stars drawn from Real Madrid and Barcelona, a fiesty game was expected.

Portugal had made a sluggish start to the tournament but picked form in the past few games with wins against Denmark and Netherlands in the group stages and knocking the Czech Republic out in the quarter finals. Spain on the other hand have had a poor outing in the tournament so far by their own standards despite winning their group and knocking France out.

Cristiano Ronaldo scorer of Portugal’s last three goals and co harried and bullied their Spainish opponents all evening denying them the ball and forcing them to mistakes at every turn. Spain bossed 58% ball possession which has been their lowest in recent times. The sides could not find the breakthrough all through the first and second half. With scores still goaless after extra time, the dreaded penalties were inevitable.

Xabi Alonso and Moutinho both had their penalties saved while Andres Iniesta and Pepe scored theirs. Gerrard Pique scored his and his former team mate at Manchester United Nani made it 2-2.

Sergio Ramos chipped his but Bruno Alves’s well executed kick hit the cross bar. Next was Francesc Fabregas who scored the winning penalty for Spain in the 2008 Semi finals against Italy. He sent Patricio the wrong way to send the his side into the finals.

Spain awaits the winner of the second semi final between Germany and Italy. Though the Germans are favourites, they have to rewrite history by beating a team they are yet to beat in recent times on Thursday.

Whatever happens in that game, the Spainiards know they face tough opponents and must improve their game if they hope to win a third straight major tournament. Spain are currently Euro Champions as well as the world cup Champions.

About the Author

Karen Kinsey with a degree in journalism. She ended up going into the education field and has been a teacher for the past six years. Karen Kinsey is a television producer, writer, editor, professor, wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend and longtime, diehard Phillies fan. Karen Kinsey writings have been featured in such mainstream media as The Guardian, USA Today, Global Times, China Daily, Beijing Review, among others.