Spain's semi-final shoot-out draws record TV audience in the country

Jun 28, 2012 1:30:00 PM

With just over 14m tuning in for the initial 90 minutes, and a further 2m joining during extra time, the country pulled in a best-ever crowd as Cesc Fabregas confirmed the win

Spain’s penalty shoot-out victory over Portugal on Wednesday saw the country’s highest ever television audience, with over 18 million watching La Roja progress to the final.

According to media consultant Barlovento, the peak was recorded as Cesc Fabregas converted the winning spot-kick, as just over 19m saw the Barcelona man send the ball off the inside of the post to beat Rui Patricio at 23:30 local time.

Barlovento said in a statement on Thursday, citing data from Kantar Media, that just over 14m tuned in for the opening 90 minutes, with the figure rising to over 16m for extra time.

Spain will play either Germany or Italy in the final of Euro 2012 on Sunday, with the latter two squaring off on Thursday evening, as they look to become the first nation to win three major tournaments in a row.

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