Spain versus
Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo versus Iker
Casillas. Wednesday night's clash
between the Iberian nations was pitted as such days before. One of the main topics of discussion was the
result of their last meeting, a friendly back in November of 2012 at the
Estadio da Luz, Portugal triumphant 4-0.
There was much more on the line this time around, as Spain sought to
keep their dream of being the first nation to win three consecutive titles alive,
while Portugal chased their own dream of their first Euro trophy. Spectators would not be disappointed with the
match, which ultimately came down to a penalty shootout as the deciding factor
after 120 minutes of playing to a 0-0 draw.
Portugal made it difficult
for their opponents in the first 45 minutes, Hugo Almeida and Cristiano
forcing the Spanish side to play long balls or make forced passes. Spain struggled to set the tone of the match,
their rhythm disrupted, as they were forced high up the pitch. Typically La Roja keeps possession as their
opponents chase the game. However, by no
means were the men in red dominating.
Spain brought in Jesús Navas
in the second half, hoping for some change of pace. With the Sevilla man on pitch, the Spanish
side began to show signs of taking control.
Still yet, the Portuguese fought hard to make sure that it did not
happen. The match dragged on, fans
growing weary of a potential late goal from either side. Would someone score already?
It remained nil-nil at the
end of regular time, which meant extra time.
With those extra 30 minutes came a motivated Spanish side, which looked
ready to put an end to things, wanting to avoid a penalty shootout. Barça's Andrés Iniesta had the best chance at
the top of the six-yard box, but Rui Patricio sent his shot out for a corner.
Tired legs – and the blaring
fact that no one wanted to make a costly mistake – perhaps were the reason
things dragged out the way they did. La Roja had a few bursts of energy, but
the Portuguese contained them well, as they had throughout the whole game.
Penalties, I suppose, were
inevitable. Spain had the advantage of
having Iker Casillas, one of the best goalkeepers the game has ever seen, but A Selecção also had Cristiano on their
side. And so the long, arduous task of
penalties began…
Rui Patricio denied Xabi Alonso
the first penalty, allowing for a boost of confidence for Portugal. João Moutinho stepped up for Portugal, only
have his shot saved by San Iker. One-by-one men from each side stepped up:
Iniesta, Pepe, Piqué, Nani. For every
goal Spain made, Portugal followed in suit.
I cannot deny the
nervousness that coursed through my veins as Sergio Ramos stepped up for his
nation, flashbacks of his PK in the Champions League coming to mind. A breath of relief. Ramos sunk one in for Spain with the greatest
of ease.
Bruno Alves then stepped up
for Portugal. But alas, his shot rattled
off the crossbar. Was this it? Was this
the break Spain needed?
No pressure, Spain. Sink this in and you're off to the
finals. It would be Cesc Fabregas who
came forward... and it would be Cesc Fabregas who put an end to things. The Barça man scored via the post, bringing
Spain that much closer to making history.
Many are left to wonder why
Cristiano Ronaldo didn't take a penalty shot, but the truth of the matter was
that the Portuguese captain decided on taking the fifth shot. Unfortunately, that fifth shot never came. Yet another campaign cut short for Portugal...
when everything looked so bright and promising for them.
Spain will play Italy come
Sunday, July 1st. Until then,
¡Vamos, España!
written by Gail Hidalgo
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