Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo will have to continue his excellent form if Portugal are to get past Spain and into the final of Euro 2012. Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo continues his quest to lead Portugal to their first ever major title on Wednesday, in the semifinals of Euro 2012. Up against them, though, will be the country that has dominated the international scene for the past four years, Portugal's Iberian neighbors Spain.

The match kicks-off from the Donetsk's Donbass Arena at 2.45 p.m. ET. ESPN will be providing live coverage of the game, with a live stream also on offer at ESPN3.

Portugal progressed to this stage of the competition after finishing second to Germany in Group B and then overcoming a quarter final with the Czech Republic , 1-0.

Ronaldo has been the center of attention after netting two goals in a crucial win over the Netherlands, followed by the decisive strike against the Czechs. But the unheralded, but equally impressive, Joao Moutinho and Nani will also be crucial if Portugal are to repeat their 1-0 victory against Spain in Euro 2004. The loss was the last suffered by the Spanish in the finals of this competition..

Spain are on an incredible run and while their possession football is often seen as daunting to defend against it has also proved phenomenally challenging to break down. Indeed, La Roja has not conceded a goal in their last eight knockout matches in major competitions.

Spain may not have been quite as sparkling going forward as in past years, but they have maintained a stunning element of control in their matches. After topping Group C, Vicente del Bosque's side comfortably disposed an insipid France side 2-0 in the quarterfinals.

Portugal will be hoping that Ronaldo can be the difference between the sides if he can continue to be a massive threat on the break. But with Spain likely to start again without a traditional striker, their control of the ball will leave the Portuguese talisman isolated and ultimately frustrated.