Day 17

Portugal 0-0 Spain (2-4 pens)

Spain have booked their spot in the Euro 2012 Final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Portugal in Donetsk. The reigning European Champions were tested by a gallant Portuguese side, however managed to get over the line in the end via the lottery of spot kicks.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque surprised many prior to kick off by naming Alvaro Negredo ahead of Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres at centre forward. The move hardly paid off, with Negredo having next to no impact and being withdrawn after just 54 minutes.

Portugal were set up well by Paulo Bento. Their midfield three of Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso forced Spain to sit deeper in midfield, and made them pass to their defenders. When Hugo Almeida, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani pressed their defenders, they were made to go back further to Iker Casillas. When he couldn't find a spare man, he was forced to play long balls up field to Negredo, which often led to a turnover in possession.

There was no doubting Spain were being tested, yet Portugal's emphasis on winning possession back often meant there were less opportunities to go forward and score.

Spain had the best chance of the first half when Andres Iniesta teed up Alvaro Arbeloa on the edge of the area, however the full back side footed his effort high and wide.

Chances were few and far between in the second half, as well. Spain barely looked like testing Rui Patricio, and turned to Fabregas, Jesus Navas and Pedro from the bench.

Late in the match, Portugal broke away with a splendid counter attack. Meireles fed Ronaldo, however he dragged his shot well over the bar to ruin a decent opportunity.

It meant the match would be headed to extra time, and Portugal's resistance began to wear thin. Iniesta had the best chance of the match, forcing a wonderful stop from Rui Patricio from close range, before the keeper was again on the spot to deny Navas from a narrow angle.

The sides couldn't be separated, and for a second consecutive match we were going to a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw.

Xabi Alonso had his first penalty brilliantly saved by Rui Patricio, before Casillas came to Spain's rescue, stopping Moutinho's penalty.

Iniesta and Gerard Pique scored for Spain, but both were matched by the cool nerves of Pepe and Nani.

Sergio Ramos audaciously chipped Rui Patricio in Pirlo-esque fashion, which had the same sort of nullifying effect on the Portuguese as Andrea Pirlo's had on England.

Bruno Alves then slammed his next penalty against the crossbar, meaning Fabregas' calm penalty off the inside post sent Spain through to their third consecutive major international Final.

Question marks were raised post-game on why Ronaldo had not stepped up to take a penalty, although the damage was done for the Portuguese.

While Portugal's efforts had to be credited, the spotlight remained truly on Spain. The Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 winners now have the opportunity to write themselves into the record books and win a third major title in a row.

A win in the Final would also mean they become the first ever nation to win back-to-back European Championships.