La Roja 6-5 for a clean sheet against Portugal

SPAIN have not conceded a goal in their last eight European Championship and World Cup knockout matches and La Roja are 6-5 with Ladbrokes to shut out Portugal in Donetsk.

Wednesday night's Euro 2012 semi-final sees Cristiano Ronaldo attempting to find a way past almost invincible goalie Iker Casillas and Spanish substitute Alvaro Negredo is backing his man to come out on top when the two Real Madrid pals go head-to-head.

Negredo said: "We have the best goalkeeper in the world and he knows Ronaldo, so that must be a good thing."

Casillas has not conceded in 299 minutes since Italy scored past him in the opening Group C contest and the stopper has a quite remarkable record at international level, claiming 77 clean sheets in 135 caps.

One reason why Spain are so difficult to beat is because they keep so much possession and Blue Square make them 1-14 to have more of the ball for the 21st time in their last 22 European Championship and World Cup games.

The pass masters have often forced their opponents into submission in this tournament and Hills go 7-2 about them recording at least 66 per cent possession against their rivals.

Spain's highest possession figures in this tournament (according to Uefa) is 66 per cent against Ireland and they have completed a mind-boggling number of passes throughout this tournament.

La Roja actually recorded their lowest number of passes (638) against France last time out having racked up 639 (against Croatia), 672 (Italy) and 810 (Ireland).

Portugal must remain focused and cool with Pepe the unsurprising 6-1 favourite with Coral to pick up the first card.