Intro:

Soccer fans in Madrid celebrate Spain's victory over Portugal in their Euro 2012 semi final on Wednesday night (June 27). 

Spain captured a 4-2 victory time in the penalty shoot out to progress to the final of the tournament. The defending world and European champions will take on Italy or Germany - who meet in the other semi final on Thursday (June 28).

Script:

They're the reigning European and World champions, a side filled with arguably the finest footballing talent to have graced the planet, and were looking to become the first team to reach three consecutive major international finals.

Spain fans were surely used to success and could therefore relax?

Not quite.

The fans looked as tense as ever in Madrid as they witnessed the Iberian derby semi-final against neighbours Portugal, a match that finished goalless after 120 minutes.

Inevitably, that meant penalties.

Both sides missed their opener, before Bruno Alves smashed the crossbar for Portugal, leaving Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas to take the decisive kick.

The former Arsenal man made his fans suffer with a penalty that squeezed in off the inside of the post.

Spain will next face either Germany or Italy on Sunday in the final, which takes place in Kiev