Xabi Alonso’s penalty was saved by Rui Patricio but Portugal could not take advantage of that as Joao Moutinho also saw his attempt being blocked by Iker Casillas. Pepe and Nani then scored for Portugal and Spain kept afloat with successful takes from Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos.
But Bruno Alves hit the bar before Fabregas finished off things in what must be a cruel end to Portugal’s tournament.
Probably Cristiano Ronaldo, who is Portugal’s best kick-taker should have taken one himself rather than wait for the fifth penalty… which never came his way.
Fabregas scores the decisive penalty. AFP
Surely The Navigators will in no way feel they deserved to lose after keeping at bay the world and European champions till the end of extra-time with a concentrated display which saw them execute their gameplan in a perfect way.
It is another story that either team could not score, but the match was not short of goalmouth action, with both raring to finish the game off before the dreaded shootout.
The best chance for Spain in open play fell to Andres Iniesta after a fine run from left-back Jordi Alba which he pulled back for the Barcelona playmaker, but Patricio was alert enough to beat it away with a reaction save.
Pedro Rodriguez, who came on for Xavi Hernandez also gave Portugal a few heart-stopping moments when he ran at their defence. But the Portuguese were quick enough to clear any threat before he could pull the trigger.
Raul Meireles, who came off for Varela in extra-time, had broken free with Ronaldo and Nani on either side and chose the skipper, whose left-footed shot did not even trouble Casillas… but it could still be called one of the few clear-cut chances Portugal had to score.
On other ocassions, Ronaldo was limited from the distance but a had a few close calls in the box which can all be called half-chances.
Portugal were the first team to trouble Spain so much with their gritty midfield vying for every tackle and their defence making the safe choices whenever they broke free.
Not only that, but Spain had to work hard to keep their possession with Portugal pressing in midfield but defending deep at the same time. For a Spanish side that is dominant with the ball, seeing only 59% of the ball is a bit of an underachievement.
Portugal’s efforts to stop the Spanish juggernaut will count for nothing after this loss. But after scraping through the Group of Death and making the semifinals, one thing is for sure— they will go back home with their heads held high.