Euro 2012: semi-final knockout

Thousands of football fans gather across Spain and Portugal to cheer their nations vying for a spot in the Euro 2012 final.

Rival fans watched with bated breath in Madrid and Lisbon as the semi-final ended goaless after extra time.

The game went to penalties.

As Portugal's fans watched in agony, Barcelona striker Cesc Fabregas struck a vital spot kick to give Spain a 4-2 victory.

Celebrations erupted as fans looked towards the final.

SOUNDBITE: SPAIN SUPPORTER, CECIRIA, SAYING (Spanish):

"We are going to win, of course. I guess we are going to win 2-0."

SOUNDBITE: UNIDENTIFIED SUPPORTER, SAYING (Spanish):

"It couldn't have been any other way, Spain was superior to Portugal. Half of Portugal play in Spain. It has been an exciting and tough game until the last minute. I'm speechless."

But in Lisbon there was an atmosphere of despair. Fans looked on with bitter disappointment as they watched Spain celebrate on the big screen.

SOUNDBITE: PORTUGAL SUPPORTER, JOSE, SAYING (Portuguese):

"It was a very good match, with two great teams. It was down to luck for each team."

World champions Spain have reached a third consecutive major tournament final.

They will play either Germany or Italy on Sunday (July 1) in Kiev.

Sarah Charlton, Reuters