Portugal were left to rue their mi sed chances as they were cruelly knocked out of Euro 2012 on penalties in a match that they dominated from the start.The game was fast, the Portuguese were faster but despite being to be able to do something no other team had managed playing Spain at their own game the Seleco will be left to rue the way they threw away what was an opportunity handed to them on a plate by the Spanish.Portugal did far more than contain their neighbours, who were decidedly off the boil until late on, but in footballs cruellest lottery, the Seleco came up short.Bizarrely the game could be remembered as the match were a player was made to make his penalty walk-up twice, ultimately costing Portugal a place in the final.Spain are now on track to win their third consecutive European Championship trophy.Portugal were forced to make their first change of the tournament before the game. Helder Postiga, who picked up a thigh injury during the win over Czech Republic, was replaced by Hugo Almedia. Spain also made one change with Alvaro Negredo coming into the side for Cesc Fabregas. Negredo had played just one minute in the tournament so far so his selection wouldnt have gone down well with Fernando Torres.Spain started the game but Wes Schweitzer Jersey it was Portugal who dominated early po se sion with their first shot of the match coming after just two minutes from Miguel Veloso which was followed by a flurry of corners although none of these resulted to anything dangerous.Portugals plan seemed to be to knock Spain out of their normal rhythm which was reasonably effective although the Spanish were still Sammis Reyes Jersey very dangerous on the break. The first real chance of the game came from the Spanish as they raced down the left and whipped in a zippy pa s which Alvaro Arbeloa was on the end of but his shot faded just over the bar. Andres Iniesta then had a pop from further out but his effort was even higher than the first attempt.Ronaldo had his first go on the ball on 15 minutes as he was unleashed down the left by Veloso. Automatically you could sense the expectation and fear form either side of the crowd as he set off and played a cro s in to Nani who failed to make contact.Spain were frustrated. Portugal were on top and the Spanish didnt like it. Every time Spain were in po se sion they were quickly closed down as the Portuguese grew in confidence and spirit. That said the Spanish had the talent to open up the Portuguese backline as Andres Iniesta was given a sight of goal from the edge of the area but his curling effort was just a yard over the bar. At the other end Ronaldo came agonisingly close to goal as his shot from the edge of the area was low but just the side of the post. This match was turning into a real battle between two evenly matched teams.Spains fluency had completely deserted them, partly due to their own failings but mainly because Portugal were disrupting them at every opportunity.HALF-TIME: PORTUGAL 0-0 SPAINThe second half began exactly like the first with Portugal playing high up the field, troubling Spain and dominating all the attacking chances. Spain werent troubling Portugals defence but they were remaining solid at the back. Spains coach, Vicente del Bosque, responded by making an early substitute bringing on Cesc Fabregas Chase Roullier Jersey for Alvaro Negredo. I wonder if del Bosque was regretting changing his frontman before the game. Five minutes later Spain made another change as Jesus Navas came on for David Silva.In between the two changes Portugal had two good openings for Almeida. The first came as Almedia struck from 25 yards instead of pa sing to Ronaldo who was in a much better attacking position. The second came as Ronaldo set him off down the left and shot wide again instead of pa sing back to the winger who was screaming for the ball. Perhaps Almeida was blinded by the bright lights or just going out for his own glory.As the minutes ticked by it was clear that both teams were becoming wary that conceding a goal at this stage would have dire consequences. They were both snatching at chances aware of how important they could be. One hour into the game Spain finally had their first shot on goal! Xavi drove in a shot as Rui Patricio who gratefully clutched the ball to his chest. Minutes later Almeida was working at his game play to make a name for himself again as he shot from distance instead of pa sing to Ronaldo who screamed at him in fury.On 72 minutes Ronaldo almost got his chance when Portugal won a free-kick 30 yards from goal but his strike was a yard over the bar. Paulo Bento then decided he had had enough of Almeida as he replaced him with Nelson Oliveira. Ronaldo then had another chance from a free-kick which again flew just over. This was followed by Spain making their final substitution as Pedro was brought on for Xavi meaning neither Fernando Torres nor Fernando Llorente would be making an appearance for Spain.The last minute Sonny Jurgensen Jersey of the half was the most dramatic as Spain won a free-kick which Alonso took but Portugal headed away and suddenly broke towards goal. It was four Portuguese forwards versus two Spanish defenders as Meireles found Ronaldobut he blasted over! It seems if Meireles would have pa sed to Oliveira instead, who was in more space, Portugal would have had a better shot on goal.END OF 90 MINUTES: PORTUGAL 0-0 SPAINSpain finally came to live at the start of extra-time and were straight on the attack as Jesus Navas drove a low cro s to the near post from the right. Spain were now dominating po se sion and racing forward at every opportunity but the Portuguese defence were standing strong with the Spanish cro ses rarely beating the first man.Portugals heart would have been in their mouth 13 minutes into extra-time when Andres Iniesta skipped into the box to collect a flicked pa s and looked certain to poke his side ahead until Patricio superply got down to push the shot away Spain then won a free-kick 25 yards from goal which Sergio Ramos just over the ball. That free-kick was closer than any of Ronaldos attempts and Patricios worry was clear as he desperately dived to cover his goal. Spain had somehow found some extra energy in the tank.For Portugal tired legs and minds were beginning to kick in as the pace of the game trickled to a slow canter and the quality of pa ses dipped. Was the far of defeat now the overriding factor of the game?EXTRA-TIME: HALF-TIME: PORTUGAL 0-0 SPAINPortugal began the second half by making a second substitute, Custodio coming on for Veloso. The chance inspired Portugal as Fabio Coentrao scampered down the left and cro sed to Ronaldo although the pa s didnt quite find its man. Navas then found himself with space in the box to drive in an angled Casey Toohill Jersey shot low at goal which Patricio blocked, spilled and blocked again. Portugal responded by making their final substitute bringing on Silvestre Varela for Raul Meireles.Suddenly