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Euro 2012: Silva struggles as Spain sneak through

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DONETSK, UKRAINE - JUNE 27: David Silva of Spain challenges Fabio Coentrao of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2012 semi final match between Portugal and Spain at Donbass Arena on June 27, 2012 in Donetsk, Ukraine. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

There will be guaranteed City representation in the final of Euro 2012 after Spain defeated Portugal on penalties after the game ended goalless at the end of extra time.

Xabi Alonso missed for Spain, but subsequent misses from Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves then saw Cesc Fabregas strike the decisive blow to send Spain to their third consecutive major tournament final.

David Silva's impact on the game was limited, with him being withdrawn on the hour after having just 40 touches and completing 78% of his 32 passes (with no key passes completed).

Taking the tournament as a whole, it was certainly Silva's least influential game - and the only one in which he did not contribute to a scoring chance. At time last night, Silva was too often forced to check his runs, with - in comparison to when playing for City - there was little or no supporting option ahead of him. This of course negates his impact on the side and although he has started all five games so far, alternatives such as Jesus Navas, Pedro (who both came on against Portugal) or even Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla could come into consideration for the final.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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