Spain Beat Portugal in Euro 2012 Semi-Final after Penalty Kicks

Portugal's goalkeeper Rui Patricio walks off the pitch as Spain's team celebrates its penalty shooout win in the European Championship semi-final in Donetsk. Photo by theage.com.au

Spain have beaten Portugal in the first semi-final of Euro 2012 after penalty kicks.

The penalty shoot-out started dramatically, as goalkeepers Rui Patricio and Iker Casillas denied Xabi Alonso and Moutinho respectively in the first round.

Andres Iniesta put Spain in front. Defender Pepe then equalized, while Gerard Pique found the bottom left-hand corner of the net to make it 2-1. Nani responded by firing his spot-kick high into the roof of the net to equalize.

Nani dinked the ball over the Portuguese keeper with a Pirlo-like shot before Bruno Alves hit the bar.

Cesc Fabregas sealed Spain's victory, sending the team to a second consecutive European chamionship final.

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