Intro:

Thousands of Portugal fans gathered at the iconic Lisbon bullring to watch their team face Spain in the Euro 2012 semi-final on Wednesday night (June 27). 

However, there were tears and scenes of dejection after the match as defending European and World champions Spain claimed their place in the final after a 4-2 win in a penalty shoot out.

Script:

Lisbon hosted Portugal's last major final, a 1-0 defeat to Greece in Euro 2004.

But now it was home to thousands of Portuguese fans hoping to see their side cause an upset against Spain in the first Euro 2012 semi-final.

Facing the reigning European and World champions was always going to be a tough task, but then again with Cristiano Ronaldo on your team, anything is possible.

Portugal had the better of the game over ninety minutes, but it finished goalless, and extra-time couldn't separate them.

That meant the unbearable lottery of penalties.

After Rui Patricio saved from Xabi Alonso, things were looking up.

However, Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves both missed for Portugal leaving Cesc Fabregas to step up and score the winner for Spain.

Heartbreak for the Portugal fans, but Spain remain on course for an unprecedented third successive tournament victory.