Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani showed Wales just how champions play after
helping Portugal to a 2-0 win, for the very first time on foreign soil.
Before the match the media headlines were dominated by talk of a Ronaldo
and Bale rivalry, but Ronaldo, who matched Michel Platini’s record of
goals in Euro tournaments, dismissed talks of comparison between him and
the Welshman with a goal and an assist.
and Bale rivalry, but Ronaldo, who matched Michel Platini’s record of
goals in Euro tournaments, dismissed talks of comparison between him and
the Welshman with a goal and an assist.
Portugal started with their preferred 4-4-2 formation starting Ronaldo
and Nani as strikers, while Wales, who have enjoyed a fairy-tale journey
in the tournament so far, started with Gareth Bale and Robson-Kanu in
attack with Aaron Ramsey missing through suspension.
and Nani as strikers, while Wales, who have enjoyed a fairy-tale journey
in the tournament so far, started with Gareth Bale and Robson-Kanu in
attack with Aaron Ramsey missing through suspension.
The game started with dour flashes of possession between both teams as both teams tried to approach the match tactically.
Portugal probably should have had a penalty when Collins had Ronaldo in a headlock early in the half but the referee said no.
Down the other end Wales threatened a few times. Bale had a pop on goal,
the only shot on target in the first half, and Andy King flashed a
header over.
the only shot on target in the first half, and Andy King flashed a
header over.
Wales were probably the happiest in the first half and looked a threat, but on the break it was 0-0.
The second half started with no changes.
Then the moment came, Joe Allen fouled Adrian Silva 45 yards out and
Ronaldo decided against shooting shot at goal. But from the resulting
corner, a goal ensued in Portugal’s favour.
Ronaldo leaped highest and scored from the corner.
Ronaldo decided against shooting shot at goal. But from the resulting
corner, a goal ensued in Portugal’s favour.
Ronaldo leaped highest and scored from the corner.
Minutes later, a miscued shot from Ronaldo from 20 yards that seemed to
be going off until NANI stuck out a leg and diverted it past Wayne
Hennessey.
be going off until NANI stuck out a leg and diverted it past Wayne
Hennessey.
2-0.
Portugal rallied for the win and with substitutions that included Moutinho and Quaresma played out a 2-0 win over Wales.
This is Ronaldo’s 61st international goal for his country and Portugal will play either France or Germany in the final.