Portugal down Poland on penalties

Portugal are through to the semi-finals of football's European Football championship in France after beating Poland 5-3 on penalties after the two sides were locked at one-all after extra time.

Jakub Blaszczykowski failed to convert Poland's fourth penalty, which was saved by Rui Patricio, as Portugal earned a semi-final against either Wales or Belgium.

Poland raced into the lead in the second minute when Kamil Grosicki burst down the left and crossed into the middle where Robert Lewandowski sidefooted the ball into the net for his first goal of the competition.

The 18 year old Renato Sanches, starting an international for the first time, levelled for Portugal after 33 minutes, collecting Nani's backheeled pass and firing past Lukasz Fabianski from the edge of the penalty area.

Wales and Belgium play their quarterfinal tomorrow.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will play either Wales or Belgium in the semi-finals. Photo:Photosport