Another major soccer tournament, another final appearance for Spain. They defeated Portugal on penalty kicks in what was a disappointing game in regulation. Not much happened and there weren't many chances for either team to score. In extra time, Portugal looked to have settled on a penalty kick shootout against Spain and didn't look to attack much at all. Spain on the other hand was at it's best in the extra time. Their best chance to score came when an unmarked Iniesta had a shot a few feet away from goal but Portuguese goalie Rui Patricio made a nice diving save. They also saw a free kick by Sergio Ramos go just over the bar.
During the penalty shootout both Spain's Xabi Alonso and Portugal's Joao Moutinho missed the first kicks for their respective teams. After the misses, kicks by Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Ramos all found the net for Spain. Portugal's Nani also scored as well as Pepe. Bruno Alves then missed his opportunity and that gave Cesc Fabregas a chance to win it for Spain. He found the net and Spain went on to win the penalty shootout and advance to face the winner of the Germany/Italy match. One name missing from the penalty shootout recap was Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was set to kick 5th for his country but never got the chance because Portugal had missed 2 of it's first 4 kicks and Spain only missed 1. It was a mistake by Portugal manager Paulo Bento as your best player and the best player on the planet should be taking an early penalty kick. Hard to fault him in the end because you never know what can happen in a penalty shootout but most managers would have their stars go in the front of the shootout.
Spain manager Vincente Del Bosque decided to not start or even play striker Fernando Torres. I would look for them to play him in the final as they didn't have many opportunities to score in this game and adding a striker increases that chance. Nevertheless, Spain advances yet again. The pass masters will have a chance to make history as they look to become the first country ever to win three straight major titles. I wouldn't doubt them
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