Euro 2012 Semifinals: Last-Minute Predictions for Portugal vs. Spain

Portugal and Spain start Euro 2012's semifinal action on Wednesday. These two talented squads will fight a competitive battle for the right to play in Sunday's final game.

Spain is among Euro's most dangerous offenses, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the world's most dynamic talent. They should combine for fireworks fit for the international stage.

Wednesday's semifinal is almost here. Let's make some last-minute predictions about the outcome of this anticipated matchup.

Ronaldo Will Score Again

Ronaldo has three goals in Portugal's last two games. He started group play with two scoreless performances, but he has hit his stride at the tournament's most pivotal point.

Alvaro Arbeloa will be the main man charged with stopping Ronaldo, but he's no match for his skill set. They know each other's tendencies (both play club football for Real Madrid), but Ronaldo's talent will overwhelm the Spanish right back.

Portugal leans on Ronaldo to spearhead their attack. He will be the most talented player on the field, and he will make that known with a scoring tally.

The Spanish defense and goalkeeper Iker Casillas are quality, but Ronaldo's talent will overwhelm Arbeloa.

David Silva Will Find His Form

Silva only has one goal in Euro competition this year, but he's one of Spain's most dangerous talents. He has a definite advantage over Fabio Coentrao on Portugal's left side, and he will find his scoring stroke.

Silva's best attribute is actually his passing and creativity, but Coentrao's countering style will open up the field in front of him. Coentrao concentrates on pushing the ball to Ronaldo, and he's usually playing in the offensive half of the pitch.

Spain can take advantage of this. Xabi Alonso and Xavi must push the ball to the outside from the central midfield, and Silva must capitalize.

I expect Silva to find his way into the box on Wednesday. Rui Patricio has been shaky in net at times, and Silva will find a way to beat the Portuguese keeper for a goal.

Spain Wins a Nail-Biter

The first two predictions focus on scoring, but this match will be defensive-minded. Each team has a dangerous set of attackers, but that will not result in as many goals as you may anticipate.

Dynamic offense will force each side to focus on the defensive end of the pitch. Most offensive rushes will come from counterattacks because of the conservative approach of both defenses.

Expect each team to choose its chances wisely. Neither team wants to get caught upstream against the opposing team's wide array of offensive-minded players.

Spain's defense should fear Portugal's distribution in the central midfield and the perimeter attack led by CR7 and Nani. Portugal's defense must be wary of Alonso and Xavi in the middle, Silva on the outside and Cesc Fabregas at the top of the Spanish formation.

Based on talent and reputation, Spain should win this game. Eventually they will, but this match will come down to the wire. Both defenses will fear making a mistake, and that will cause conservative play for the majority of the match.

These offenses are too talented to hold down completely, but it will take awhile to see the breakthrough.

Final Score Prediction: Spain 2, Portugal 1

The first half will result in a nil-nil stalemate, but CR7 and Silva will score early in the second half. After those goals, each team will readjust, and the scoring will subside once again.

Alonso is coming off an excellent two-goal performance against France, and he will continue that momentum on Wednesday. Expect Alonso to net the game-winning goal late in the second half.

The Spaniards earn the chance to defend their Euro title, but not without a tooth-and-nail battle with their Portuguese counterparts.