Cesc Fabregas struck the winning penalty as Spain edged Portugal 4-2 in a shootout, after the match ended 0-0, to advance to their third-straight final in a major competition.
Fabregas slotted in Spain's fifth penalty, off the post, to send the team and fans into delirium as the defending champions look for an unprecedented third-straight major title. Questions will be asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not step up to take a penalty for his side. Ronaldo would have, most probably, attempted the final spot-kick for Portugal, but before the Real Madrid striker could step forward, the match had already been won in a warm night in Donetsk.
Spain, who will face the winners of the match between Germany and Italy, started the better in the first five minutes of the match, with Vicente del Bosque surprisingly electing to go with Alvaro Negredo upfront, in place of Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres.
Alvaro Arbeloa, who had the unenviable duty of covering Ronaldo, had the game's first chance, but the Real right-back blazed over the bar after being set up by Negredo.
Portugal, after the first ten minutes, began to seize control, not allowing the Spanish midfielders time on the ball. Ronaldo and Nani were posing a constant threat and the two of them almost combined to open the scoring. Ronaldo left Gerrard Pique for dead and floated in a good cross for Nani, but Spain goalkeeper and Ronaldo's club team-mate Iker Casillas made a timely interception, with the Manchester United winger inches away.
Andres Iniesta, who was weaving and tormenting the Portuguese defense whenever he had the ball, came close, but saw his shot go just over the bar from 16 yards out.
It was Ronaldo's turn to send the anticipation in the stadium soaring, but the 27-year-old's left-footed striker went inches wide, with Casillas beaten on his left.
The second half saw Portugal still in control with Ronaldo reaping havoc every time he had possession. Hugo Almeida, who was starting for the injured Helder Postiga, just missed a headed chance before selfishly taking a shot instead of passing to either Ronaldo or Nani, who were both free on the left and right respectively.
Fabregas came on for Negredo, and while Spain started bossing possession a lot more as the game wore on, chances still came at a premium. Tiredness was creeping into both sides as the pace of the game, which was quite high in the first half, slowed down considerably.
Ronaldo had the best opportunity of the second period, in the final moments of the game, but fired wide from the left after being set up by Raul Meireles.
The game went into extra-time, where Spain were on the ascendancy with the Portuguese team's fuel running pretty low. Iniesta had a golden opportunity in the 107th minute, but saw his shot blocked.
Substitutes Jesus Navas and Pedro Rodriguez were posing threats on both wings, but a couple of good saves from goalkeeper Rui Patricio and some profligacy in front of goal meant the inevitable penalty shoot-out.
Xabi Alonso stepped up to take the first spot-kick, which was saved by Patricio. However, the scores remained the same when Casillas comfortably kept out Joao Moutinho's strike.
After the first two misses, the next five were converted, with Iniesta, Pepe, Pique, Nani and Sergio Ramos making it 3-2 to Spain. Bruno Alves missed the fourth penalty for Portugal, leaving Fabregas to slide one in off the post and keep the dream of a second-straight European championship title alive.
