Portugal vs. Spain Euro 2012: 5 Players Most Likely to Score in Semifinal

Portugal and Spain will kick off the semifinal stage of Euro 2012 Wednesday from the Donbrass Arena in Ukraine. 

Many are expecting Spain and Germany to eventually stage a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, a contest that saw Spain become champions of Europe with a 1-0 win. But even if that is true, Portugal will represent a stern test for the Spaniards first. 

Portugal survived the group of death—a group that included the Germans, Denmark and the Netherlands—to qualify for the quarterfinals. Once there, the Portuguese dispatched the Czech Republic 1-0 when Cristiano Ronaldo's header beat the keeper late.

Below, we break down the five players most likely to score a goal in Wednesday's semifinal.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

The fact that Ronaldo is likely the best player in this tournament gives Portugal a chance. 

Also, consider these stats from this tournament: Ronaldo leads the field in goals (tied, three), shots (29, leads by eight) and shots on target (14). If there's any player that will give himself a chance to score, it's Ronaldo. 

It will be interesting to see who the Spanish mark Ronaldo with—Alvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos or some other defender—but Ronaldo will get his looks. The quality of those looks will be up to the Spanish defense. 

Fernando Torres, Spain

When Torres scored a brace against the Irish during the group stage, many speculated that the confidence that has been lacking in Torres' game could be returning. He hasn't scored since. 

But let's not write off his chances of finding a third tally against Portugal. If he gets a good look at the Portuguese net, there should be a higher level of certainty that Torres will convert. He's no stranger to scoring big goals for his country. 

Cesc Fabregas, Spain

No longer is Fabregas a fringe player for the Spanish. He scored twice in this tournament—one against Italy, another against Ireland—to help Spain get out of the group stage.

While Fabregas is still more of a creator than a goal scorer, he's developed a taste for scoring big goals. Don't be surprised if Fabregas is a major factor in at least one Spanish goal Wednesday.

Nani, Portugal

The Manchester United midfielder has been in brilliant form on the right wing for Portugal, and he's been especially dangerous when getting overlaps from Joao Pereira. The more space the better for the creative Nani. 

Some of his efforts at goal have left something to be desired in this tournament, but Nani did score 15 times for United this past season. Finding the net Wednesday would end a four-match goalless streak for Nani in international play.

David Silva, Spain

In nine appearances for Spain since last November, Silva has scored three times on 13 shots on goal. While quiet against France in Spain's quarterfinal win, Silva has been a pest near goal throughout Euro 2012.

In the three games prior, Silva scored once and put at least two shots on target in each match. He's only missed the target twice in the entire tournament.

With that kind of efficiency, it's only a matter of time before Silva slips another past the keeper. Maybe his second goal comes Wednesday.