Thousands of Spain fans on Wednesday gathered in Madrid to watch their side's Euro 2012 semi-final against Portugal on giant screens, erupting in joy after the 4-2 win on penalties.
The atmosphere had been highly charged even before the penalty shoot-out in Donetsk, Ukraine, with the sound of whistles and firecrackers ringing out across the Spanish capital even before the first spot kicks were taken.
The fans had gathered from early evening outside Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium, while others massed in bars across the city, draped in the yellow and red national flag, and spilled out on to the pavements.
Wearing replica red shirts of the national side and with their cheeks painted yellow and red, they waved flags with one hand and held beer or soft drink cans in the other, with the masses cheering on every Spanish chance in the game.
But as the minutes ticked by, tension mounted as Portugal pressured, prompting anger among the crowd.
Some, like Lorena Santa Cruz, were disappointed at La Roja's performance.
"I'm really sorry but Portugal are quicker and they're reacting better," said the 32-year-old interior decorator.
But others still kept the faith, albeit through gritted teeth and with furrowed brows, as the match progressed.
"Portugal are better but now they're going to tire. Spain will have more chances," shouted Salvador Gonzalez, a 31-year-old consultant.
At half-time and with the scores still level on 0-0, many were disappointed, admitting that Portugal were the better team on the night.
One animator shouted at the crowd through a loud-speaker: "We're going to win this match!"
"Iker! Iker!" urged the crowd in the stifling Madrid night, as a giant image of Spain's goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas appeared on the screen.
At the end of 90 minutes and extra-time, the crowds redoubled their hopes, dancing, singing and waving their flags.
Source: AFP
