Portugal vs. Spain Live: Slow Semifinal Is Headed for Dreaded Penalties

Penalties are no way to settle a semifinal of one of the biggest football tournaments in the world, but it appears Spain and Portugal are heading that way. 

No, I'm not a psychic, but if things continue the way they are going, we are looking at a 0-0 draw, and there's no doubt about that. 

If you happened to miss this epic matchup between two top-five squads in the world, there's a good chance you were probably kicking yourself for missing it.

Don't worry, though, I have good news. You aren't missing much. 

After a first half with a decent amount of action but no goals, the second half between the Spaniards and Portuguese slowed down to a snail's pace.

The chances for goals, of course, came from Cristiano Ronaldo. He had a few free kicks from about 30 yards out— certainly good chances for the talented forward—but skyed them well over the crossbar.

Then, in the 89th minute, Portugal found itself on the break with Ronaldo wide open on the wing. But a poor ball behind him and an even worse left-footed finish left the scoreboard tied at nil. 

Spain hasn't quite been its usually possession-hogging self. The Spaniards, who are used to beautiful passing in the middle of the pitch and in the final third, haven't quite been able to do what they like to do.

They have still displayed excellent control of the ball at times, but the lack of a striker has made getting looks at the goal an afterthought. 

After playing just one minute through the first four games of the tournament, Alvaro Negredo got the start up front, but he hasn't been able to find much room. 

It's been all show and no goal for Spain as we head into extra time knotted at zero goals apiece.

Both of these squads have the talent to make something happen in the next 30 minutes, sure, but if the first 90 are any indication, you should probably just tune back in when it's time for penalties. 

It's not the right way to decide a match, but at least it will provide us with some actual excitement. 

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