Portugal 2-0 Wales: EURO 2016 Semi-Final Report

Portugal broke Welsh hearts as they ran out 2-0 winners in Lyon to set up a final against either France or Germany in Paris on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the show as he put his nation ahead with a fine header five minutes after the break, before assisting Nani for the pivotal second goal to send Portugal to their first major tournament final since they were defeated by Greece in 2004.

Boss Chris Coleman was forced into making two changes from Wales’ historic 3-1 win over Belgium in the quarter-final, with suspended duo Aaron Ramsey and James Chester replaced by Leicester City’s Andy King and James Collins of West Ham United.

Portugal in return made three changes as the injured Pepe, suspended William Carvalho and un-fancied left back Eliseu made way for Bruno Alves, Danilo and Raphael Guerreiro, who was back to full fitness after missing out their quarter-final victory over Poland.

During a cagey opening with both sides seemingly unwilling to take risks, it was Portugal who edged the possession statistics, but they were unable to muster any meaningful attacks.

Wales’ first effort came in the 19th minute through Gareth Bale as a Joe Ledley corner straight from the training ground found the Real Madrid forward on the edge of the area, but his effort flew over the bar.

Bale then went close again minutes later after an explosive run from his own half allowed him space to shoot on his favoured left foot, but the effort from distance was hit straight at Rui Patricio.

Despite this mid-half flourish of attacking play it soon reverted back to the previous pattern as both teams’ long-ball tactics cancelled each other out, with James Collins, in particular, nullifying the threat of Ronaldo.

Into the second half and the dull opening 45 minutes was soon forgotten about as within five minutes of the restart, Portugal were ahead.

Cristiano Ronaldo rises highest to head home Portugal’s opening goal. Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

A short corner saw the ball whipped in from the left and Ronaldo was on hand to rise above James Chester and head past Wayne Hennessey to put Portugal ahead.

Then just two minutes later, Portugal killed-off the tie as they doubled their advantage.

Chester’s headed clearance only went as far as Ronaldo, who steadied himself to shoot but his scuffed effort went straight into the path of Nani, who diverted the ball past Hennessey.

Portugal almost advanced into an unassailable 3-0 lead when Hennessey spilt Nani’s long-range shot into the path of Joao Mario, but the Sporting Lisbon forward’s effort went wide of the near post with the goal at his mercy.

Danilo then had a guilt-edged chance with just over ten minutes remaining as Bale was caught in possession when attempting to clear the ball but the midfielder’s shot was saved by Hennessey despite it nearly squirming under his body.

Ronaldo was then found by substitute Andre Gomes’ long pass but after rounding Hennessey he could only see his effort nestle against the side-netting from a tight angle.

Despite having a number of long-range free-kicks in-between these Portugal chances, Wales never looked like creating the type of chances that Portugal had profited from as the game edged into its dying embers.

A chance to get back into the game did not fall Wales’ way and in the end, three devastating minutes at the beginning of the second half were to cost them their place in the final of Euro 2016.

Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

A lot has been said about Ronaldo during this tournament, but when it mattered he performed on the biggest stage of them all.

His aerial prowess had been well marshalled by Collins in the first half, but he showed that as soon a defender’s concentration lapses, as it did with Chester, he will punish you, as he did for the first goal.

He then claimed the assist for what proved to be the crucial second goal, scored by Nani, and although it was somewhat fortuitous on Ronaldo’s part, the mere fact that he was in this position exemplified the good areas he was getting himself in all evening.

What’s Next?

Portugal will now play against either hosts France, or reigning world champions Germany, in the final on Sunday evening in Paris, while Wales will go home with their heads held high after an amazing debut appearance in the European Championship finals.