Portugal vs. Spain: Bold Predictions for Semifinal Clash

Portugal is going to eliminate mighty Spain from the 2012 European Championship.

While Spain has rolled through this tournament undefeated, they have shown some weaknesses, and Portugal has just the team to exploit them. 

Here is how Portugal is going to pull off this stunner. 

Portugal Will Score First

Portugal is going to score first, and this is huge. 

Throughout their run, Spain has been employing the unique strategy of running without a traditional striker. Vicente Del Bosque obviously feels that puts his best lineup on the pitch, and you certainly can't argue with the defensive results. 

However, the offense has been another story. It has been stagnant and limited. This makes it very hard for them to come from behind in this system, and the more time they spend behind, the more they will begin to press. 

Ronaldo Will Score Twice 

The book is being written on how to take down Spain, and that is to spread out and attack them on the side to advance the ball. With players like Nani, Fabio Coentrao, Joao Moutinho and Joao Pereira Portugal is well-equipped to attack like this. And of course all these guys have the luxury of centering the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo got off to a slow start to this tournament, but he is on fire right now, and he will keep that hot hand. Ronaldo will score one goal in the first half, and then another later as Spain begins to press for an equalizer. 

Portugal Wins! 

On the strength of Ronaldo's two goals, Portugal will open up a 2-0 lead late in the second half. But Spain isn't just going to walk quietly off into the sunset. 

Being down two goals, Spain will go out on the all out offensive. Portugal will struggle to keep the lead, but they will prevail, 2-1.