Ole! Spain Wins on Penalties, Advances to Euro 2012 Finals

Despite a heartbreaking loss for Portugal, Spain's penalty shootout victory on Wednesday, June 27, in the Euro 2012 semifinals was still a cause for celebration in Newark's Ironbound community.

Fans from both sides of the Peninsular War poured onto Ferry Street shortly after Spain ousted Portugal, 4-2, in penalty kicks following 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime. And, though it was a community divided going into Wednesday's game, huge Spain and Portugal flags waved in unison during a blowout bash at Iberia.

"It feels really great to see Spain win because I'm of Puerto Rican descent," said Will Caballero, who caught the game at Manu's Tapas Bar and Sushi Lounge.

Spain, the reigning World Cup and Euro champs, are vying to become the first team in the sport's history to win three straight finals between the two premier events. The team will meet Italy or Germany, which play Thursday at 2:30 p.m., in Sunday's Euro finals.

Caballero said the win is particularly special because Spain fans are largely outnumbered in the Ironbound, where he lives. A whopping 65 percent of readers said they were rooting for Portugal in the semifinals, compared to 34 percent for Spain,

"I'm going to celebrate in respect because I don't want to get my (butt) kicked," he said laughing. "Every time Portugal won, it's been crazy outside. I think it's going to be a quiet celebration (for Spain)."

But it was anything but early Wednesday evening. Newark police officers, including members from the mounted unit, readied themselves at every corner on Ferry Street as swarms of giddy, raucous fans swept past. Cars draped in Spain flags honked their horns in succession while vuvuzelas trilled up and down Ferry Street.

After the game, hundreds of people packed the parking lot of Iberia, sipping large containers of sangria and dancing to music under a spray of water. Fans took turns ringing large bells hung high from a pole while cheering "Ole!"

Other serious Spain enthusiasts jeered dejected Portugal fans as they trickled into the street. Fans from both sides were heard cursing each other out, while one Spain zealot stopped traffic to flaunt the country's flag in the middle of the street.

"Upset – that's about it," said David DaSilva when asked how he felt about Portugal's loss. "I can't say they played bad – they played pretty well. Once you get to penalty kicks, it's 50-50."

While some Portugal fans were visibly upset, others said Spain's win was a celebration for the entire Newark community.

"Both teams played an excellent game," said Sandra Dias, a Newark transplant who now lives in Bloomfield. "I'll be rooting for Spain (in the finals), no hard feelings."

Manny Lopes, owner of Lopes and Sons hardware store, chalked Spain's victory up to midfield chemistry and luck in the penalty kicks. He predicted Germany will beat Italy Thursday and that Spain will force the team into another penalty shootout in the finals.

"The way Spain is playing," he said, "Germany will have a tough time again Spain."

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