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Portugal has secured a place in their second ever Euro final, sending the Welsh home after an incredible campaign that exceeded all expectations.
The first half was a bit of a grind with Wales appearing to edge ahead for the opening 45 minutes, but it was the second stanza that the action picked up.
Two goals in just three minutes pulled the rug out from underneath the Welsh, one short blitz was all it took to separate a Euro final and a plane ticket home.
Ronaldo was of course at the centre of the scoreboard, picking up a goal of his own before setting up the second with an assist to sink the Welsh.
From then on it was simply a battle of desperation for Wales, and a task of survival for Portugal.
Final score:
Portugal – 2
Wales – 0
The dream continues for Wales as they face up against a struggling Portugal in the first semi final of Euro 2016. Catch all the thrilling live highlights and action from 5am (AEST) on The Roar.
A place in the Euro 2016 final is up for grabs in one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory, with underdogs and powerhouses flying all over the place, anything can happen.
Despite their place in the final four, Portugal have had one of the weakest tournaments of any team, drawing every single game they’ve played so far across 90 minutes, with just one not requiring penalties to earn victory.
Regardless of their less than spectacular road to the semi-final, the key point is that they’re here, showing their fight and determination where other big nations have fallen.
Along with Iceland, Wales have taken the tournament by storm, far exceeding admittedly low expectations to reach their first ever major semi-final.
The Gareth Bale led Welsh shocked Belgium in the quarters, taking home the spoils with a classy 3-1 victory over the No. 2 ranked side in the world.
Portugal weren’t so glamorous, limping past Poland and Croatia in their last two elimination games where they were expected to cruise through.
This will be Portugal’s fifth trip to the Euro semi-finals, however, they’ve only made it through the final once, in 2004 against Greece.
Team News
A lot of mystery surrounding Portugal and Real Madrid defender Pepe after picking up a thigh injury in training during the week, word on his game day status is thin with plenty of doubt about his fitness expected to run right up until kickoff.
Also for Portugal, Andre Gomes is expected to return from a thigh strain of his own after missing the quarter-final against Poland.
In terms of omissions, both sides have been hit with the suspension stick. Portugal will be without Angolan-born William Carvalho who misses out through a pair of yellow cards.
For Wales, star midfielder Aaron Ramsey will be forced to sit out the clash alongside Ben Davies who also copped a suspension.
Prediction
It’s nearly just as remarkable that Portugal are in the semis as well as Wales considering how they’ve played, but their poor form in the tournament shouldn’t be taken lightly and there’s a reason they’re the fourth highest ranked side in Europe.
This could well be a very, very tight game, with two sides in extremely different situations to each other.
Expect a fired up Wales to to throw everything they have at Portugal, as they have all tournament. If Portugal don’t turn up and pick up their game, they could looking at another semi-final exit in the Euros.
Tough to pick, Portugal could sneak through by maybe just one, if not, it’s headed to extra time and that’s where Wales will fly through for the win.
Wales to win 3-2 in extra time.
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