Spain slightly better
Portugal's Pedro Joao Pereira (right) and Spain's Rodriguez Pedro (right) battle for the ball
Neither team offered match in attack and both looked content to pass the ball around meaninglessly in the middle of the park, much to the discontent of the fans who let their feelings be known as boos rang out across the stadium every time a team held onto the ball for too long.
Still, despite the lack of goal mouth action the match was certainly not boring as two of Europe’s best teams took to the field in a battle of wits much like two Grandmasters taking to the Chess board.
Spain definitely had the better of the opening exchanges and the clearer of chances on goal with two efforts in particular from Alvaro Arbeloa in the ninth minute and Andres Iniesta in the 29th minute, both shots from just inside the box sailing narrowly over the crossbar.
But Portugal were not to be outdone and showed some fighting spirit of their own with Ronaldo in particular causing problems for the Spanish defence down the flanks and up the middle of the park.
And it came as no surprise Portugal’s only opportunity in front of goal in the first half fell the way of the Real Madrid player in the 31st minute, but he pulled his 20-yard shot just wide of the target.
It was a sign of things to come for Ronaldo as his normally world class shooting deserted him for the entire night as he continuously blazed wide or high of the target.
Spain, on the other hand, were an image of superb passing football, but they couldn’t break down a stubborn Portuguese defence and the 120 minutes ended goalless.
The dreaded penalty shot-put was just that for the Portuguese as they lost 4-2 without Ronaldo evening stepping up to the spot.
Following the match Portugal were bitterly upset with themselves as they felt they could have offered more in attack.
Nonetheless, Portuguese winger and Manchester United Star, Nani, said the team was proud of their showing at Euro 2012: “We showed enormous strength and endeavour. We always believed in our group, grew in confidence game by game and that's how we ended up where we did. I think that the Portuguese people can be proud of us."
In the Spanish camp, while they made their way to their second straight Euro final, coach Vicente Del Bosque wants more from his troops in the final.
“It was a very even match but maybe we were a little better in extra time. They (Portugal) looked a bit tired, but there were few chances before that. It wasn't easy to get through their defence.
“They were superior when it came to defence and we didn't have that many opportunities so it was very balanced. In extra-time it was slightly different and we had lots of luck with the penalties.
“The players have played so many matches and they have to show their best in one more,” concluded the Spanish coach.
{message}