C.Ronaldo chokes as the Spanish Armada matches on

Last nights first semi-final game at EURO 2012 was decided on penalties as you already know. Cristiano Ronaldo has been hugely responsible for Portugal's match to the semis with three goals and match winning performances.

The Spain game was always going to be a huge test for the Portuguese. Playing with a solid defence led by Pepe and a midfield that always looked to set up a quick counter attack by releasing either Nani or Ronaldo when they won possession.

Portugal started brightly of the two teams, looking to lump it forward to Hugo Almeida up top. It took a while before Spain found their passing rhythm. Chances created were at a premium though as Portugal really did a good job on Xavi. The trio of Mountinho, Miguel Veloso and Raul Meireles denied the tiki-taka brigade time on the ball.

I was quite surprised to see Sevilla striker, Negredo get a start. His lack of movement and David Silva's poor touches greatly hindered Spain going forward. Del Bosque took a big gamble by not starting with Fabregas or Torres. Am fairly certain we have seen the last of Negredo at the Euros as he did his reputation no good.

Cesc Fabregas won it for Spain

C. Ronaldo had flashes of brilliance but was not given a yard on the ball. He had four free-kicks all wasted. One would have thought that he would score from at least one of those chances to hit his trademark dipping-long-ranger. When things didn't go his way, he tried the usual trick of deceiving the referee. Only this time he was rewarded with a yellow card for his efforts.
 Nani, well i never rated him, and Almeida provided little support.

Late on, Iniesta had a glorious chance to win it in normal time after a beautiful jinking run by Alba. I always thought Spain were favourites if it went to penalties. Portugal had ran out of steam. Who wouldn't after chasing after a ball for 120 minutes?

C. Ronaldo was expected to take the first penalty, as captain and the usual penalty taker for both club and country. Surprisingly he didn't. He must be ruing that decision by now. He was listed as the fifth pen taker, to take all the glory if they won through the last kick? Or to relieve the pressure of scoring/missing the first pen?

End of the road

Spain won 4-2 on penalties after a gruelling 120 minutes. They will have to up their game as Germany/Italy in the final will be a different kind of proposition.

I'll be back with Arsenal news later in the day. Good morning.