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Spain held their nerve and came out on top in the battle of the Iberian rivals as they defeated Portugal 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out in a game which rather disappointingly never really came to life. Although Xabi Alonso’s effort was saved, misses by·João Moutinho and Bruno Alves have helped La Roja to come within a match of a record three consecutive major titles to follow up their 2008 European Championship win and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 120 minutes were not enough to separate the two teams in what was a rather dull goalless draw, with Spain having the best chance to grab a winner in extra time, only for·Rui Patricio to palm away Andres Iniesta's effort.

Spain:

Iker Casillas: 7 - The Spain shotstopper did well when called upon, but usually saw shots fly wide and was largely untested. He came out on top in the penalty shoot-out, helping his team to reach the finals.

Alvaro Arbeloa: 6 - The Real Madrid right-back was involved on both wnds of the pitch, and could have opened the scoring, but was unable to keep his early chance down. He was the weakest cog in the Spanish defence, and Portugal attacked frequently down this wing.

Gerard Pique: 7 - The Barcelona centre-back had a decent game and made some excellent blocks to prevent Ronaldo from going through.

Sergio Ramos: 8 - Although booked for a cynical foul early in the match, Ramos put in a solid performance at the back, helping his team keep a deserved clean sheet. He often came out on top against his Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, and did not allow the absence of Carles Puyol to be felt.

Jordi Alba: 8 - The young left back did well to guard the runs of Nani down the flank and caused problems to Portugal in the extra time with some good offensive runs. He was one of the best players in the Spanish shirt once again.

Xabi Alonso: 7 - The last game's goalscorer could repeat his exceptional performance, but managed to put in a decent enough shift. However, he did miss in the penalty shoot-out which fortunately for him didn't cost the team.

Xavi Hernandez: 7 - The playmaker for La Roja couldn't dictate the game as much as he would have wanted and was subbed as he began to tire. But even his average performance is better than most people's best.

Sergio Busquets: 6 - The Barcelona midfielder could not dominate the midfield as much as he would like in a game in which Spain couldn't produce their tiki-taka brand of football often.

David Silva: 6 - The Manchester City star was not at his sharpest best and had some misplaced passes at crucial moments. He was well shackled by Fabio Coentrao and was subbed early in the second half.

Alvaro Negredo: 5 - The surprise inclusion turned out to be a major flop in the game and was rightly the first man to be subbed.

Andres Iniesta: 8 - The Barcelona attacker looked the most dangerous man on the field for La Roja and had a late strike palmed. His coolly taken penalty personified his confidence.

Substitutes:

Cesc Fabregas: 7 - The substitute was menacing off the bench and looked lively. Perhaps if he had started, Spain might have managed to assert dominance. He did score the penalty that has taken Spain to the finals.

Jesus Navas: 6 - The pacy winger made some good runs down the right flank but struggled to beat Coentrao as well.

Pedro Rodriguez: 8 - The 24 year old forward was troublesome after coming on and had a great opportunity when put through, only for three defenders to converge on him and deny him room. He was the substitute that almost made the difference.

Portugal:

Rui Patricio: 8 - The Portuguese goalkeeper was largely untested, but did well to keep out Iniesta in the extra time. He did save the first kick of the shoot-out, but it was not enough.

Joao Pereira: 6 - The right-back was troubled on many occasions by Iniesta and then Pedro and did not have the best of games.

Bruno Alves: 7 - The centre-back put in a good shift and won some important headers to clear out the danger, helping his team to a clean sheet.

Pepe: 8 - The monster at the back made his solid presence felt throughout the game. However, he kept his temper very much in check and put in another good performance.

Fabio Coentrao: 9 - The left-back looked his menacing best, frequently making darting runs into the Spanish half whilst keeping the likes of David Silva and Jesus Navas quiet. He put in one of the best performances of the match.

Miguel Veloso: 6 - The midfielder could not make much of an impact and was eventually subbed.

Joao Moutinho: 7 - He did well in the centre of the midfield and helped thwart Spain from passing their way into the final third too often. However, his penalty miss proved to be costly.

Raul Meireles: 7 - The Chelsea man had a decent game and put in a workmanlike shift.

Nani: 7 - The Manchester United winger did make runs, but was not as successful as he would have liked. However his pace was always threatening and his penalty was brilliantly put into the top corner.

Hugo Almeida: 6 - The target man had an average performance and was rather disappointing with his multiple long-range efforts, which flew miles wide.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 7 - Undoubtedly the best player in the Portuguese line-up, the Captain had some free-kick opportunities, only to fail to test Casillas. He was definitely the most threatening player in attack, but his failure to hit the target was rather disappointing. Probably scheduled to take Portugal's last penalty, Ronaldo never really got his chance to put the ball in the back of the net.

Substitutes:

Nélson Oliveira: 6 - The 20 year old Benfica man failed to really make an impact.

Custódio: 5 - Replacing Miguel Veloso in midfield, the player could not help prevent late Spanish domination which almost saw his side concede a late winner.

Silvestre Velera: 5 - The player who struck the winner against Denmark was sent on late in the game, but hardly had any time to make an impact.

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