/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F12%2F21%2Fcr.jpg "Euro 2012: Portugal 0-0 Spain (Spain win 4-2 on penalties) - as it happened")
Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the first of the Euro 2012 semi-finals between Portugal and Spain.
Portugal emerged from the dreaded 'group of death' by securing victory over the Netherlands on matchday three, while they beat Czech Republic in the last eight to advance to this stage.
Spain topped Group C with victories over Republic of Ireland and Croatia, while they recorded a routine 2-0 win over France to advance to the semi-finals.
Tonight will be the 35th meeting between the two Iberian rivals - with Spain leading 16 wins to six.
Meanwhile, the current European and World champions will set a new record of 11 European Championship finals matches unbeaten if they avoid defeat this evening.
> Full team news for the match
22.30Just incredible. What a night of drama. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for all the action. See you soon!
22.30So there we have it. It's Spain who advance to the final of Euro 2012. Their long undefeated run continues. They will face either Germany or Italy in the final on Sunday.
22.27Spain progress to the final after a 4-2 penalty win over Portugal.
SPAIN PEN FIVEFabregas scores! Spain are into the final!
PORTUGAL PEN FOURAlves hits the bar! Spain lead 3-2!
SPAIN PEN FOURRamos scores! Spain lead 3-2!
PORTUGAL PEN THREENani scores! 2-2!
SPAIN PEN THREEPique scores! Spain lead 2-1!
PORTUGAL PEN TWOPepe scores! 1-1 after two.
SPAIN PEN TWOIniesta scores! Spain lead 1-0!
PORTUGAL PEN ONECasillas denies Moutinho! 0-0!
SPAIN PEN ONEPatricio denies Alonso!
22.15So there we have it. The extra-time period belonged to Spain - but it brought no goals. This one heads to penalties.
FULL-TIME EXTRA-TIMEPortugal 0-0 Spain (match heads to penalties)
ET 29 minPenalty shout for Spain as Pedro dances into the box, but no decision is forthcoming.
ET 28 minAnother chance for Spain as Alba whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Pepe once more clears the danger.
ET 28 minWonderful link-up between Pedro and Iniesta but the former is given offside. Spain have been much the better side in extra-time.
ET 26 minAnother chance for Spain as Navas whips a dangerous cross into the box, but the free-kick goes Portugal's way.
ET 24 minPEDRO! Chance for Spain as Pedro strides away from the Portugal defence. However, Coentrao comes across to clear the danger.
ET 24 minHorrible challenge from Alonso as he fells his Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo. Six minutes of this one remaining.
ET 23 minChange for Portugal as Silvestre Varela replaces Meireles.
ET 22 minChance! So nearly for Spain as Navas cuts inside and strikes at Patricio. However, the goalkeeper gathers at the second attempt. It's all Spain chance-wise.
ET 20 minChance for Spain as Fabregas strikes from outside the box. However, the sting is taken out of the shot by Pepe.
ET 20 minRonaldo stays down under the challenge of Ramos.
ET 18 minJust as I say that, Coentrao drives forward. However, he cannot find Ronaldo in the area.
ET 18 minSuddenly it's all Spain in the latter stages of this one. If we are to have a winner, it looks like it will come from them.
ET 16 minChange for Portugal as Veloso is replaced by Custodio.
HALF-TIME EXTRA TIMEPortugal 0-0 Spain
ET 15 minRAMOS! What a strike from the defender. However, it just clears the bar.
ET 15 minFree-kick Spain on the stroke of the interval.
ET 14 minChance! What a save from Patricio as he denies Iniesta from close range! That was the best chance of the match.
ET 14 minA couple of corners for Spain at the end of the half come to nothing as we near the end of the first period.
ET 12 minPass, pass, pass from Portugal at the moment. Who do they think they are? Spain?
ET 10 minFantastic header from Pepe as he clears the danger. How good has he been tonight?!
ET 9 minNot a great deal happening at the moment to be brutally honest. Tidy possession from both, but no threat.
ET 7 minChance for Spain as Pedro drives forward, but he is just crowded out in the box.
ET 5 minLooking at this match, you would have to fancy either Germany or Italy to enter the final as favourites.
ET 3 minPossession football for Portugal at the moment as Busquets goes down in the middle of the park.
ET 2 minBrilliant start from Spain as Navas attacks down the right, but Pepe is there to clear the danger.
ET 1 minHere we go then. Additional time is underway. Will we have a moment of brilliance?
21.35So there we have it. The Iberian derby heads for extra-time with the score still to be decided. Is this one heading for penalties?
END OF 90 MINUTESPortugal 0-0 Spain (The match heads for extra-time)
90 min+2Spain lead the attack in the latter stages as they continue to pass and probe.
90 minMeanwhile, we will play three minutes of added time.
90 minChance! Opportunity for Portugal to win it as Meireles leads the break. He slips in Ronaldo, but his effort is high and wide.
89 minIt is almost like a game of chess as this one drifts away. We are almost certainly heading for extra-time.
87 minSo, just about five minutes remaining with added time. Surely we are heading for an additional 30?
87 minChange for Spain as Pedro replaces Xavi. No chance for Torres in this one then.
84 minHowever, his effort is just too high. Another chance goes begging. One thing is for certain, a goal now wins it.
83 minHis effort hits the hand of Arbeloa. And he gains another five yards.
83 minIt's poor from Navas as his cross is straight at Pepe. Meanwhile, Portugal have another free-kick some 40 yards from goal.
81 minChange for Portugal as Almeida is replaced by Nelson Oliveira.
80 minThe game has become ever so bitty with both sides giving away a series of fouls.
79 minMoutinho has been brilliant for Portugal this evening. He was controlled that midfield.
77 minBrilliant from Nani as he forces a corner on the right. Meanwhile, Moutinho passed up a wonderful chance to shoot moments earlier.
75 minThe match has just gone a bit stale in the past few moments. Have both accepted extra-time?
73 minRONALDO! So nearly for the Real Madrid man, but it just flies over the bar.
72 minRonaldo dances past Busquets - who fouls him. Free-kick 30 yards out. Guess who will take it?
72 minIt's all Spain as we enter the latter stages of this one. However, Portugal look ever so well-drilled in defence.
70 minSpain just beginning to probe around the Portugal box. Can they find the opening?
68 minChance for Spain as Xavi fires from outside the box, but Patricio gathers the ball.
67 minYou just get the feeling that this one is heading for additional time - and possibly penalties. The match has suddenly gone a bit scrappy.
65 minHowever, it's a fantastic header from Almeida. He is certainly not a small man.
64 minOh what do we have here. So nearly a penalty as Fabregas is felled on the edge of the box by Pereira. Free-kick Spain.
62 minBrilliant strength from Ronaldo as he evades Alba down the left, but Pique just comes across to clear the danger.
62 minWhere have Xavi and Iniesta been in this game? How often do you say that?! Incredible.
60 minMeanwhile, Spain change as Jesus Navas replaces Silva.
60 minPenalty shout for Portugal as Ronaldo goes down under the challenge of Ramos, but nothing is given.
59 minSo we are 15 minutes into the second period - and not much has changed. Portugal continue to look the most dangerous as Almeida fires wide.
57 minChance! Almeida might have slipped Ronaldo in, but he struck over the bar from 30 yards. He should have passed it.
57 minHowever, Nani's corner is cleared by Fabgreas. It has got to be better than that from the Manchester United man.
56 minFabregas's first involvement isn't great as he loses possession. Portugal attack straight down the other end, and force a corner.
55 minSo now it's 4-6 for Spain in terms of formation. Will it change their fortune?
54 minIndeed he does. Fabregas replaces Negredo - who has been poor.
53 minMeanwhile, it appears that Cesc Fabregas will soon join us.
53 minPortugal advance straight down the other end as Nani buys a corner from Alba, but this time it's Alonso who clears the danger.
51 minThe Spanish force their first corner as Silva advances down the right. However, Alves rises to clear the danger.
51 minReally is brilliant from Portugal as they continue to press Spain in their own half.
50 minIt doesn't seem as if Spain have set up differently in the second period - which is quite surprising.
48 minChance for Portugal as Nani whips a wonderful ball into the box. However, Pique rises to clear the danger.
46 minNice bright start from Portugal in the second period as Pepe searches out Ronaldo. However, a free-kick is awarded to Spain.
46 minHere we go then. Portugal get us underway in the second period.
20.43It does not look like there has been any changes from either side.
20.40According to Opta, Spain had 60% possession in the opening period.
20.36What do we think about that then? Portugal have been wonderful in their approach. But you have to think that Spain will improve after the break.
20.32So there we have it. What a fascinating opening half of football between the two Iberian rivals. It had been suggested that Portugal would come and play deep - but far from it. Paulo Bento's side have more than matched the Spanish in the opening half of football. Both sides have had good chances via Iniesta and Ronaldo, but it remains goalless at the break.
HALF-TIMEPortugal 0-0 Spain
45 minWe will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
43 minChance for Portugal as Ronaldo finds Almeida in the box, but his header is just wide.
43 minRonaldo has been the dangerman on the pitch thus far. Meanwhile, Moutinho is having a wonderful game in the Portuguese midfield.
42 minMeanwhile, Ramos is handed the first booking of the match as he fells Ronaldo.
42 minSighter for Spain as Alba searches out Silva in the box. However, Alves clears with another thumping header.
40 minChance for Spain as Silva searches out Iniesta with the most delicate of touches, but his pass it just too long. Negredo just has not been in this game.
38 minAgain it breaks down in the Spanish attack with Iniesta and Silva combining. It just isn't quite happening for them thus far.
36 minStoppage in play as Nani gets some treatment. However, he seems ok to continue.
36 minNani has had a storming first half for Portugal, but he is on the deck at the moment.
34 minPortugal's work-rate has been sensational in this opening half. There is just no room to take a touch.
34 minSpain seem to be lacking ideas at the moment? Which means they will probably score six before the break.
32 minChance! No nearly for Portugal as Ronaldo picks up the ball in the box. However, his strike is just wide of the post.
32 minOh my word. The referee has had a nightmare as he brings play back for a foul even though Nani was on the attack. What is he doing?
30 minJust as I say that, Spain have the best chance of the match. Xavi finds Iniesta in the box, but it just moves a whisker over the bar.
30 minMake no mistake about it - Spain are worried here. They cannot seem to find that final pass.
28 minPenalty shout! Portugal cry in anguish as Ramos falls on the ball in the box. However, no decision is given.
28 minRonaldo continues to worry for the Spanish defence as he gets in down the left. It's all Portugal here.
26 minAttack from Portugal as Pereira advances down the left, but Pique just clears the danger.
26 minPortugal have got a really lovely shape to them this evening. I backed them to go far before the start of the tournament.
24 minArbeloa has had a bit of a horror show thus far. Ronaldo and Coentrao have him well beaten. I wander whether it is like that in Real Madrid training? Meanwhile, Ronaldo rattles one over the bar from outside the box.
24 minAlves wins another thumping header at the heart of the Portugal defence. How good has he been this summer?! It's suddenly all gone a bit sloppy from both sides.
22 minThere is an incredible amount of bodies in that midfield area. This one could well be won out wide.
21 minSpain striker watch: Negredo hasn't had a kick thus far. Torres anyone?
20 minSpain counter in a flash as Silva robs Veloso's pocket, but it breaks down. Meanwhile, Ramos completely takes out Nani - no foul?!
18 minIf anyone thought that this would be a walkover for Spain - then they are sadly mistaken. Portugal are well in this one.
17 minHowever, CR7's strike is straight into the wall.
17 minBrilliant, just brilliant from Ronaldo as he cuts inside Pique before gaining a free-kick on the edge of the Spain box. However, the angle is not kind.
15 minMeanwhile, it's brilliant from Coentrao as he buys a foul from Arbeloa. It's been a really bright start this evening.
15 minSo nearly for Portugal as Coentrao searches out Ronaldo, but his pass is just too long.
13 minBrilliant work from Ronaldo as he explodes past Arbeloa before finding a wonderful cross. However, Casillas just plucks it away from Nani.
13 minThe match has just settled in the past few moments with Spain beginning to pass, pass, pass.
11 minFantastic pressing from Spain as Pepe is forward to go all the way back. There is simply no room in the midfield at the moment.
11 minIt's wonderful feet from Iniesta as he dances through a couple of challenges. However, his shot is high of the bar.
9 minBrilliant defending from Pepe as he crowds Silva in the box. Meanwhile, first real chance of the match as Arbeloa strikes over from outside the box. He perhaps should have scored.
9 minSpain are just beginning to dictate the tempo in this match after a strong Portugal start.
8 minAgain Spain attack and this time it's Alonso who searches out the run of Silva. However, Patricio collects the danger.
6 minSpain's first real dart forward as Alba and Iniesta link down the left. However, Pepe clears the danger.
5 minStill Bento's side keep possession of the ball with Ronaldo and Nani both involved. No real chances to report thus far.
4 minPortugal have certainly started the better in these very early stages - with Coentrao a threat down the left.
3 minTwo minutes in and Spain finally have some proper possession. However, it doesn't last long as Arbeloa fouls Coentrao.
2 minIt's a tough one for Iker Casillas to deal with - and he just tips it out for another set-piece. Which he then gathers.
2 minIt's a bright start from Portugal as Miguel Veloso's effort is deflected over the bar. They have five white shirts in the area.
1 minEarly ball forward from Xabi Alonso is thumped clear by Bruno Alves. It's Portugal with easy possession here.
1 minHere we go then. Spain get us underway on this humid evening in Donetsk.
19.44Handshakes over. Flags exchanged. It is almost time.
19.42The Portugal stars and management team are in fine voice this evening.
19.41... now it's Portugal's turn.
19.40National anthem time. The Spanish will go first...
19.38Into the arena they stride.
19.38Here we go then. Both sets of players are emerging from the tunnel.
19.36In terms of the Golden Boot - Ronaldo and Mario Gomez are currently tied with three goals.
19.34In terms of semi-final records for both sides. Spain have played three won three. Meanwhile, Portugal have won just one out of three.
19.32Here's a word from former England striker Gary Lineker: "Very promising. Spain are playing with a striker. Not Torres but Negredo. Six goals in 11 internationals in which Spain have won all of them," he told the BBC.
19.3015 minutes to go. Players will emerge onto the pitch in about 10. Let's get this one underway!
19.28So have we got the four best teams left in the tournament then? It would be difficult to argue against it.
19.26Here's a word from former England defender Martin Keown: "Portugal's wide players may be a problem for Spain. The other problem I feel for Spain is having all that lovely passing but missing a cutting edge. You wonder sometimes whether they're trying to accommodate many great players who are not capturing their form from club level. They're not a fluid as we've seen in the years gone by. If they don't get it right Ronaldo will punish them," he told the BBC.
19.24When you think of Spain. You think of wonderful attacking talent - which is true. But they also have Barcelona's number one, Real Madrid's number one, Liverpool's number one and Manchester United's number one to pick in goal. We will say no more.
19.22Remember, the second semi-final will be contested by Germany and Italy on Thursday. One thing is for certain - July 1 will be a wonderful occasion.
19.20We are around 25 minutes from kickoff. It cannot come quick enough for me! There seems to be a general feeling for Spain around the ground.
19.18More from Hansen: "Torres has struggled in the tournament. He's struggled latterly at Liverpool and throughout his Chelsea career. It's no real surprise that he's been left out but I genuinely think they look a better side with a centre forward."
19.16I think you know you've got a good team when Juan Mata doesn't get a look in! Who do you fancy? I honestly cannot call it. I just have a feeling for Portugal.
19.14We've also got three of the best four players in world football on display. Ronaldo, Xavi and Iniesta. They aren't bad are they?
19.12Meanwhile, here's former Scotland defender Alan Hansen: "If you look at the quality of players on display, it's exceptional. The Spanish are arguably the best the world has ever seen in terms of keeping possession. Portugal are a good side but I hope they don't play like they did against Germany and get men behind the ball and leave Cristiano Ronaldo isolated."
19.10Here's a word from former England defender Danny Mills. He told the BBC: "This should be a really good game. There's been criticism laid at the Spanish for being a touch boring or predictable. Plus, Portugal have Ronaldo, though they're trying to play down that it's all about him. If he plays well Portugal have a chance to win this game. So far he's had a ludicrous amount of shots and he's almost taken teams on single-handed. He wants to be the main man, and rightly so - he's their big star. It will be interesting to see how the Spanish defence cope with Ronaldo and Nani. They have been weak at the back, I think."
19.08The Real Madrid striker also needs just one goal to equal the record for European Championship goals - 22. A record which is currently shared by Turkey's Hakan Sukur and Denmark's Jon Dahl Tomasson.
19.06Focusing on Ronaldo for a moment. And Del Bosque believes that Spain need to "deactivate him". What a brilliant phrase!
19.04So what about Spain's decision to start Negredo? The 26-year-old scored 13 times in 36 appearances for Sevilla last season and has six international goals in nine caps. But if you are Fernando Llorente, you would have to feel hard done by.
19.02It does seem quite amazing that Spain have had criticism. They have lost only three of their last 47 competitive European Championship and World Cup fixtures - winning 41. I wish England were that 'boring'.
19.00This evening will also see Portugal's Real Madrid stars Ronaldo, Pepe and Fabio Coentrao come up against club teammates Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso.
18.58Meanwhile, Paulo Bento believes that his Portugal side must be patient this evening: "Of course there are going to be moments in the game when we can link up and go forward. We want possession of the ball but we are playing against a team that has played better than all the other teams. It's going to be about patience. We know what we have to do. We have to put pressure on our opponents in the right areas of the pitch. Our aim is not to defend all the time. You can't do that against the world and European champions. We are aware that it's going to be difficult but they also know that we can cause them problems. It was very easy to get motivated because we're in the semi-finals. There can't be a more beautiful opportunity than the one we have tomorrow."
18.56Spain boss Vincente Del Bosque has stated that he hopes Portugal play defensively this evening: "I would prefer if they play back in their own half, it's a satisfaction for us to keep possession. They have enough players that can provide alternatives to their attack, but I would like it if they played in a defensive way because we have solutions to combat that," he told Sky Sports News.
18.54They have also completed - according to Opta - 2263 passes at Euro 2012, twice as many as their opponents this evening.
18.52They can't be doing too bad though. They have kept eight consecutive clean sheets in knock-out games at major tournaments - and they have conceded just one this summer.
18.50Meanwhile, Spain have impressed with their usual ability to retain possession. However, they were criticised for their ?boring? performance as they overcame France in the previous round.
18.48If they are to put that record to bed, then they will surely have to improve their shooting accuracy. They have hit the woodwork six times at Euro 2012 - including four strikes from Ronaldo.
18.46Portugal have also lost four of their last five previous semi-finals at major tournaments. They have also never won at this particular stage overseas.
18.44The first meeting between these two was a 3-1 win for Spain in December 1921. Will history repeat itself this evening?
18.42As mentioned, tonight's encounter will be the 35th meeting between the sides. Portugal failed to secure a victory in the first 15 encounters, but they broke their duck in 1948.
18.40Ronaldo has also not scored in his last three appearances against Spain, but who would bet against him breaking that duck this evening?
18.38Portugal have been branded a 'one-man team' following the performances of their skipper Cristiano Ronaldo thus far. However, they recorded a 4-0 win over Spain in November 2010 - and Ronaldo was not among the scorers.
18.36Right, there's the team news. Now let's focus on the match itself - and what a match we have in prospect!
18.34As expected, Almeida starts for Portugal with Postiga dropping out through injury. Aside from that, Paulo Bento's side are unchanged.
18.34Team News: Portugal: Patricio; Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao; Veloso, Meireles, Moutinho; Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo
18.32Perhaps the biggest surprise in the Spanish line-up is there is no room for Pedro. He was fantastic when he came on against France. Meanwhile, Fernando Torres will also start on the bench.
18.30Big shock for the Spanish? Alvaro Negredo is given the starting role in attack with Cesc Fabregas dropping out.
18.30That Spain team news is confirmed. We are still awaiting the confirmed Portugal starting side.
18.30Team News: Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Alonso, Xavi; Silva, Negredo, Iniesta
18.30We will bring you the team news as soon as it is announced, but it is understood that Helder Postiga will miss out this evening for Portugal - allowing Hugo Almeida to come into the side.
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