Euro 2012 Semis: Spain VS Portugal
posted on Jun 24, 2012 @ 12:47PM
Spain set up a European Championship semi-final with Iberian rivals Portugal after an uninspiring 2-0 win over France on Saturday which featured yet another headed goal but prompted boos from a sometimes bored crowd.
Xabi Alonso marked his 100th cap with a header and a spot-kick to end France’s run in Euro 2012 and seal a semi-final berth for Spain in a match which was more a midfield battle than an attacking display from both sides.
Andres Iniesta released left-back Jordi Alba and the much-wanted player swung in a pinpoint cross for Alonso to head beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris. The Real Madrid midfielder also made no mistake from the penalty spot late in the game.
The match one of the most anticipated ones of this tournament, sadly failed to live up to the hype it generated after both teams were expected to produce a better performance given the wealth of talent they have.
Spain will now play Portugal in the semi-final, where Cristiano Ronaldo will go head-to-head with quite a few of his Real Madrid team-mates.