Portugal V Wales: What just happened
Portugal took on Wales in the semi finals of Euro 2015 with the winner booking themselves a place in the final against either France or Germany. It is the furthest Wales have ever been in an International competition, completely shocking the world by reaching the semi finals of this competition. Portugal have shockingly not won a game in the whole of this tournament in 90 minutes. Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches started for the Portuguese tonight after a fantastic performance against Poland. Wales defended well in the opening 5 minutes from the onslaught of Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo spear heading the attack. Tonight would also see the infamous battle of Ronaldo and Welsh wizard Gareth Bale. Portugal seemed to imply a tactic of forcing Wales wide or making them play long passes. Portugal were dominating the early spells of possession but lacked a real end product in the final third. Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario seen his shot dragged wide after a good '1-2' with Ronaldo as Portugal looked to grab an early goal. Wales then won a corner and it was played short into the box where Bale lurked but seen his shot go over Patricio's bar. Bale's cross was then nearly met by Andy King who replaced Aaron Ramsey, just collected by Rui Patricio as Wales looked promising. Again Gareth Bale made a darting run and hit a fierce shot straight at Patricio from 25 yards out. It was then Robson Kanu's chance to cross but José Fonte cleared for a corner to Wales as they looked to take a 1-0 lead. Portugal, similar to the Poland game weren't playing their best football and we giving the ball away easily to the Welsh side and were misplacing passes. The first half ended with no team really dominating with the score 0-0.
New Valencia winger Nani won a free kick for Portugal after Adhley Willisms brought the former Manchester United forward down. Andy King then defended the free kick and knocked it out for a corner. From the corner, Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal a goal to the good with a wonderful header to put his side ahead. The Madrid forward rose and met the cross to smash the ball past Hennessy who stood no chance. Former Manchester United team mate Nani then guided the ball past Hennessy after Ronaldo had a shot and the Valencia winger steered it home to put the game all but beyond Wales. Joe Ledley then was replaced by striker Sam Vokes as Wales looked to find a way back into this semi final. 10 minutes later, Ronaldo seen his free kick go close, then Robson Kanu was replaced by Simon Church in a straight striker for striker swap. Nani then seen his shot parried by the goalkeeper and Joao Mario missed a huge chance to make it 3-0. James Collins was the replaced by Jonathan Williams. Renato Sanches was then replaced by Valencia midfielder André Gomes who is a reported target of both Chelsea and Manchester United. Bale then from about 30 yards out tried his luck with a volley which was easily held by Rui Patricio. Danilo then picked up the ball from Bale after the Madrid forward made a blunder and his shot was just creeping under Hennessy before he pounced on it. Portugal then made another substitute replacing Adrien Silva with Joao Moutonho of Monaco. With just under 10 minutes to go, Bale seen his free kick cannon back off the wall. Ronaldo then rounded the keeper but hit the side netting after a poor touch and a bad angle. Nani was then replaced by Ricardo Quaresma as Welsh hopes began to disintegrate and evaporate. Nevertheless, Wales showed great team cohesion and ability to make it to this stage and can go home with their head held high. Portugal will now await the result of Germany and France tomorrow to see who awaits them in the final.
New Valencia winger Nani won a free kick for Portugal after Adhley Willisms brought the former Manchester United forward down. Andy King then defended the free kick and knocked it out for a corner. From the corner, Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal a goal to the good with a wonderful header to put his side ahead. The Madrid forward rose and met the cross to smash the ball past Hennessy who stood no chance. Former Manchester United team mate Nani then guided the ball past Hennessy after Ronaldo had a shot and the Valencia winger steered it home to put the game all but beyond Wales. Joe Ledley then was replaced by striker Sam Vokes as Wales looked to find a way back into this semi final. 10 minutes later, Ronaldo seen his free kick go close, then Robson Kanu was replaced by Simon Church in a straight striker for striker swap. Nani then seen his shot parried by the goalkeeper and Joao Mario missed a huge chance to make it 3-0. James Collins was the replaced by Jonathan Williams. Renato Sanches was then replaced by Valencia midfielder André Gomes who is a reported target of both Chelsea and Manchester United. Bale then from about 30 yards out tried his luck with a volley which was easily held by Rui Patricio. Danilo then picked up the ball from Bale after the Madrid forward made a blunder and his shot was just creeping under Hennessy before he pounced on it. Portugal then made another substitute replacing Adrien Silva with Joao Moutonho of Monaco. With just under 10 minutes to go, Bale seen his free kick cannon back off the wall. Ronaldo then rounded the keeper but hit the side netting after a poor touch and a bad angle. Nani was then replaced by Ricardo Quaresma as Welsh hopes began to disintegrate and evaporate. Nevertheless, Wales showed great team cohesion and ability to make it to this stage and can go home with their head held high. Portugal will now await the result of Germany and France tomorrow to see who awaits them in the final.
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