Advertisement
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.

You may need to refresh the page for YouTube videos and other elements to display correctly.

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>

Close
32 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.