© EuroFootball.com
Spain is just one step away from their second consecutive European Championship gold.
Vicente Del Bosque's players were more accurate in penalty shootout and Portugal will have to postpone their dreams for another four years.
P.Bento's players started the match actively - earning two consecutive corner kicks, but the world champions defended comfortably.
In the 8th minute defender A.Arbeloa had a good opportunity to score, but missed the goal.
C.Ronaldo broke through on the left side, but Spanish goalkeeper I.Casillas caught the Portuguese player's cross.
In the 15th minute G.Pique managed to stop C.Ronaldo, but the standard situation was not utilized.
In the middle of the first half, the Portuguese took the initiative, but did not create dangerous opportunities.
In the 28th minute A.Iniesta shot over the goal, soon after C.Ronaldo, surrounded by opponents' defenders, also missed the goal.
Real Madrid player S.Ramos stopped the onrushing leader of the Portuguese national team and was shown a yellow card.
In the second half, cautious football continued, C.Ronaldo unsuccessfully tried to convert two penalty kicks, and failed to finish a quick attack.
The referee announced the start of the extra time.
In the 103rd minute, after a pass from a teammate, A.Iniesta found himself one-on-one with Rui Patricio, but the Portuguese managed to defend. Soon after, S.Ramos shot dangerously, but the score remained unchanged.
In the second extra time, Pedro, who came on as a substitute, was particularly active, but the world champions still could not break through the opponents' defense and the winner was decided after a penalty shootout.
Statistics:
Spain 0 - 0 Portugal (Penalty shootout 4-2)
Shots on goal: 4-0
Shots towards goal: 8-9
Ball possession: 57%-43%
Corners: 7-6
Offsides: 20-32
Penalty shootout:
1. X. Alonso (missed), J. Moutinho (missed)
2. A. Iniesta (scored), Pepe (scored)
3. G. Pique (scored), Nani (scored)
4. S. Ramos (scored), B. Alves (missed)
5. C. Fabregas (scored)
