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Frank Augstein

As it happened: Portugal v Wales, Euro 2016 semi-final

Portugal took on Wales for a place in the final of the summer’s big tournament.

Hello, and welcome to tonight’s liveblog.

As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the game. E-mail paul@the42.ie, tweet @the42_ie, post a message to our Facebook wall, or leave a comment below.

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keano

Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane says he is “envious” of what Wales have done at the Euros.

“I didn’t think they were great (in the early stages),” continues Keane.

“They must have great confidence and self-belief.

“I think it’s the toughest game they’re gonna have in the tournament.”

“Any team with Ronaldo is going to have a chance.”

We’re underway…

Wales start confidently with plenty of possession but then Joe Allen gives it away sloppily to Ronaldo.

However, the Real Madrid star is tackled well by Ashley Williams as he runs towards the box.

Portugal probe before Joao Mario plays the ball straight out of play.

The occasional inspirational Ronaldo moment aside, Portugal have been underwhelming in this tournament in the final third so far.

Wales have looked a little nervous in recent minutes, sloppily giving the ball away on a few occasions

They looked as if the occasion got to them against England in the group stages — Chris Coleman will be hoping the same doesn’t occur tonight.

Collins beats Ronaldo to a header.

The Real Madrid star isn’t happy, and replays suggest he has a point — the defender had his arm around his opponent there.

Both sides are cancelling each other out at the moment.

It’s been tight and tense, with no clear-cut chances yet.

Joao Mario drags a shot just wide from the edge of the box after decent, intricate build-up play.

Portugal just starting to show signs now that they’re beginning to click in attack.

Bale finds a bit of space for the first time in the game.

He drives towards the box and his cross is deflected off Fonte for a corner.

Decent move by Wales from the corner.

With Portugal expecting a delivery into the box, Ledley instead squares it to Bale on the edge of the area, and the Real Madrid star fires just over.

Another driving run by Bale as he evades the challenge of clubmate Ronaldo.

His cross narrowly evades the onrushing King, as Rui Patricio collects it gratefully.

Moments later, the goalkeeper is forced into action again, as he does well to catch a powerful Bale strike.

Great turn by Robson-Kanu to escape his marker.

Again, King narrowly fails to get on the end of the subsequent cross by the striker.

Decent spell of possession for Portugal, but it ends with Cedric blasting well over.

They haven’t looked like being able to open up Wales yet.

Another misplaced pass, this time by Joe Allen, brings a Wales attack to an abrupt end.

It’s been a very cagey start to the match, with both sides reluctant to take risks.

Still little in the way of goalmouth action.

Portugal have been passing the ball around patiently, but mostly sideways or backwards in recent minutes.

Portugal v Wales - UEFA Euro 2016 - Semi-Final - Stade de Lyon Ronaldo has cut a frustrated figure so far. Joe Giddens Joe Giddens

It’s almost as if both sides are waiting for something to happen.

It already feels as if we might have to prepare for extra-time and penalties.

Half-chance, as Ronaldo heads wide.

Chester went up with him and seemed to do enough to put his opponent off.

HALF-TIME: WALES 0-0 PORTUGAL

So half-time, and it’s been disappointing so far in terms of entertainment.

The fact that there has been just one shot on target (by Gareth Bale) in the entire match thus far says it all.

Neither side has looked capable of breaking the other team down in an extremely cagey affair.

Portugal have had more possession and territory, though Wales have looked sharp occasionally in attack.

With at least 45 minutes left to play, this game is very much there for the taking as far as both sides are concerned.

The second half has begun…

Joe Allen brings down Silva as Portugal earn a free kick about 50 yards from goal.

The second half has continued in a scrappy, stop-start fashion.

PORTUGAL 1-0 WALES (RONALDO 50)

Out of nothing, Portugal score!

A corner is flighted into the box and Ronaldo evades Chester before heading home powerfully to give his side the lead.

PORTUGAL 2-0 WALES (NANI 53)

Suddenly, Wales have a mountain to climb.

Ronaldo’s innocuous shot is deflected into the net by Nani to double Portugal’s advantage.

Wales are set to make a change in reaction to that setback.

Vokes is set to come on…

It’s an adventurous move by Wales.

Defensive midfielder Joe Ledley is replaced by Sam Vokes, with Wales set to go two up top.

Wales break and Bale chips it through to Vokes.

However, the striker can’t quite bring the ball down, allowing Alves to intercept.

Down the other end, Ronaldo’s free kick shaves the crossbar.

Wales make another change, as Church replaces Robson-Kanu.

Coleman’s side are going for broke now.

Big chance! Hennessy parries Nani’s shot right into the path of Joao Mario, who shoots just wide.

Meanwhile, Wales make a final change — midfielder Jonathan Williams is on for defender James Collins. Looks like they’ll go four at the back now.

There is an air of desperation to Wales’ play now. They’re giving the ball away needlessly and not attacking with any real conviction.

Coleman’s team need a miracle to stay in the tournament now.

Chester heads an inswinging free-kick from Bale just over. Portugal look very comfortable at the back right now.

Teenager Renato Sanches is replaced by Andre Gomes, as Fernando Santos’ side look to see this game out.

Bale misplaces a pass as another Welsh attack stutters to a halt.

Moments later, the Real Madrid star shoots from distance straight at Rui Patricio.

He has looked almost too anxious to make an impression tonight.

Hennessy just about gathers Danilo’s shot inside the box at the second attempt.

Portugal make another change as Adrien Silva is replaced by Joao Moutinho.

Excellent attempt from Bale as Patricio is forced to parry his long-range effort this time.

Can that inspire Wales to launch a late rally?

Wales have Portugal pinned back into their own half, but they don’t look like scoring.

As I type, Ronaldo is played through — he rounds Hennessy, but can only find the side-netting from a tight angle.

Meanwhile, Nani is replaced by Quaresma.

Even without their main man, Pepe, Portugal have been very well organised at the back tonight.

Fernando Santos certainly knows how to organise a team.

There will be three minutes of stoppage time…

A Ronaldo free kick hits the wall.

The Wales fans are still in fine voice despite their imminent exit.

FULL-TIME: PORTUGAL 2-0 WALES – PORTUGAL ARE IN THE EURO 2016 FINAL

So that’s that. Wales are out and Portugal have finally won a game in 90 minutes in this competition.

Two quick-fire goals from Nani and Ronaldo won it, as Wales huffed and puffed but badly missed the creativity of Aaron Ramsey in midfield.

Ultimately, Portugal’s big-game experience was apparent, as they showed a bit more nous and clinical finishing to progress.

Right, that’s all from me.

Thanks for reading and commenting, and we’ll have more reaction coming up shortly.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

10 other underdogs that ‘did a Wales’ at a major tournament>

Bale-v-Ronaldo and more Euro 2016 talking points>

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32 Comments
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    Mute Aaron Buckley
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 6:43 PM

    Magic

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    Mute Ziggy722
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:30 PM

    Great article Eoin, Ireland showed great ‘intellect’ with that goal. Tardelli take note!

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    Mute Shane Breslin
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 8:21 PM

    RTE pundits let themselves down last night. Dunphy and Giles especially (Brady not as bad).

    “Selected vindicated – to an extent,” said Dunphy.

    “Never thought I’d say it, but we should play like that all the time. Jack Charlton football,” said Giles.

    What are they on?

    Ireland passed the ball. At times Ireland were 60%+ possession. Against Italy!

    What more did they want?

    Billo wouldn’t have let them away with it…

    122
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    Mute An_Beal_Bocht
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:11 PM

    Ah Billo, he was covering their ineptness for years I realise now

    59
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    Mute Valentine Lynam
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:27 PM

    Ahhh ya can’t say a thing about Giles he’s a legend on off the ball and love listening to him. You can’t get it right all the time dude..

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    Mute Derek Byrne
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 11:15 PM

    Bill was definitely covering for them over the years and he was a man who had not come from a football background.

    23
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    Mute Tom101
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    Jun 24th 2016, 9:44 AM

    Giles i think should hang up his Mike. I honestly believe the panel have their arguments and issues decided before a ball is kicked irrespective of the actual performance. It getting very very tiresome the: ” great player”, ” midfielders not showing for the ball” ” Hoolohan is Gandhi ” arguments is just so predictable . . . And devoid of actual analysis of the game just played.
    Please Rte shake it up and be done what balanced…
    I’d love Dunphy to actually say what team he wants to play Mon made 5 changes and still he’s unhappy

    4
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    Mute Dead Ball Browne
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 6:53 PM

    Brilliant analysis. Total joy and celebration of the goal and scenes after the full time whistle turned to sour grumpy old men in the studio who had faces on them as if we were beaten. Why oh why do RTE not get rid of all of them and come into the twentieth century and give us guys like Duff/Sadlier but to mention two !!

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    Mute An_Beal_Bocht
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:10 PM

    Sadlier?.. oh Christ no

    20
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    Mute EdmundOrlando
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:15 PM

    At least they are honest. They don’t read from the predetermined script of Itv or Bbc. Right or wrong you have to respect their honesty.

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    Mute Stephen Lyons
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 11:44 PM

    I really rate Sadlier as a pundit, try listening to him next time and compare him to Dunphy/Brady; Giles is easily the best of a bad bunch! Sadlier is honest and just talks about what he sees in front of him.

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    Mute Wayne
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    Jun 24th 2016, 1:54 AM

    The 20th century !!

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:06 PM

    3 old bitter men getting paid from the tv licence money, never a good work to say about anyone and always negative.

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    Mute Adam Smythe
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:18 PM

    The Three Stooges.
    I almost feel sorry for Darragh Moloney at this stage. He’s obliged to maintain the Bill O’Herlihy role which requires him to sit there like an ignoramus while Johnny Giles patronisingly lectures him on even the most basic aspects of the game.
    ‘Well Darragh, there are two teams on the pitch and a football. The idea is to put the ball in the net. It’s a simple game really Darragh. You either have the ball or you don’t have the ball. When you have the ball you try to put it in the net. When you don’t have the ball you try to get the ball off your opponents. People get the ball and they kick it up into the atmosphere Darragh. That’s not the point. The point is when you have the ball you pass it to a teammate, a compatriot, a fellow countryman Darragh, someone wearing the same jersey as you Darragh. Do you fcuking understand me Darragh. Stop staring into space you dope. My pearls of wisdom are lost in the empty expanse of your cranial cavity. Over to you Eammo. Stick the boot in’

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    Mute Ziggy722
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:42 PM

    Very funny and well written Adam Smythe.

    Imagine if Giles lost it like that, TV gold lol.

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    Mute Adam Smythe
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 11:06 PM

    I like Johnny, he’s a realist old school football man who values the basics of the game (which don’t alter with the course of time)
    Dunphy arrogantly has convinced himself that no one watching the game on TV is educated enough to fully understand what’s happening on the pitch, a position he must defend at all costs even to the point of absurdity.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:11 PM

    Eoin I agree with most of what you said but you said Mcgeady made the right decision but moments before he didn’t. Mcgeady played a ball that bounced in front of the keeper just about on their 6 yard line, there was no Irish runner, 3 players were around he box and if anyone of them made a run to the front post it was an open goal.
    Wes’s class delivery was class because Brady made the run. If Brady stopped or didn’t follow through it would have been a nothing ball.
    My point is not to take away from Wes but say Mcgeady played a ball into their box with a runner to the front past it would have looked like a great choice

    21
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    Mute Adam Smythe
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 10:09 PM

    Any sign of the Portugal match report yet?
    You know the game yesterday that was one of the most exciting games ever played at the European Championships.
    Has it arrived in the post yet?
    I’m really looking forward to reading it. (as I’m sure are all sports fans)
    Anyway, thanks, keep us informed.
    Yours sincerely
    An Aficionado of the beautiful game.

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    Mute Free comment ratings
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 11:00 PM

    Lol you think you will get a match report on every game in the world just because you are a sports fan. Bahaha. Doesn’t work like that.

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    Mute Adam Smythe
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 11:08 PM

    Why not?
    There’s a Euro 16 footy section.
    The absence of a match report on that game is an unforgivable oversight on the part of any news outlet.

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    Mute Lucás Ó Sneachta
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    Jun 24th 2016, 12:42 AM

    If it is unforgivable, let nobody stop you as go to another site to read a match report from the Portugal.

    For me, I’m quite happy to read as many articles about game as they’re able to churn out.

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    Mute Joe Joyce
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    Jun 24th 2016, 12:14 AM

    ah yad miss trapatoni tho

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    Mute Mindfulirish
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    Jun 24th 2016, 5:30 AM

    Roy Keane should have been court marshalled for deserting his team and country but no he gets a top job at the FAI another corrupt organisation.

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    Jun 26th 2016, 2:16 AM

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    Mute Tumbleweed
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    Jul 2nd 2016, 8:05 AM

    Tardelli was totally proved correct

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    Jun 24th 2016, 7:11 PM

    Hey Guys!!! I got mine from Cindy. My blank ATM card can withdraw €2,000 daily. I got it from her last week Wednesday and now I have €7,000 for free. The card withdraws money from any ATM machines and there is no name on it, it is not traceable and now i have money for bussiness and enough money for me and my 4 kids. I am really happy i met Cindy because i met two people before her and they took my money not knowing that they were scams. But am happy now. Cindy sent the card through DHL and i got it in two days. Get one from her now. she is giving it out to help people even if it is illegal but it helps a lot and no one ever gets caught. cindy’s email address is (cindytedder767@yahoo.com)

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    Mute Stephen Lyons
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 11:48 PM

    Ara give it up, let the 42 boys indulge in the hysteria surrounding Ireland in the last 24 hours, thankfully we all deserve an oul day off thanks to that performance last night by the BIG.

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    Mute Stephen Lyons
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    Jun 23rd 2016, 11:49 PM

    ^^^ Directed towards Adam Smythe’s comment down there at the bottom, forgot to click reply!

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    Mute John Flood
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    Jun 24th 2016, 12:16 PM

    Wes on the cross was the real key to the play. On the button in the back of the net! The perfect cross!!!

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