Wales meet Portugal in the first semi in Lyon for a place in the final. Ramsey misses the clash, Pepe is a doubt. Bale vs Ronaldo or Team spirit vs Star quality?
The first semifinal in the Euro 2016 opposes two sides that reached this phase in a very different way. And as Wales' breakthrough to the semis seems to be a huge surprise, Portugal is a regular participant in this phase of the tournament with 5 semis out of their last 6 appearances. Wales have shown a great quality and they truly deserve their place here after smashing the favorites from Belgium 3:1 in the quarterfinals and victories against top teams like Russia and Slovakia. On the other hand, Portugal is the only team left that has not won a single match. The Portuguese were lucky to make it out of the group stage after 3 ties. They tied both Croatia and Poland in the previous stages with a result 1:1 at the full time. They eliminated Poland on penalties and Croatia with a last minute goal in the extra time.
This, however, may bring the difference tonight as Portugal have played 60 minutes more in their last two matches compared to their opponents and they will play this match a lot more tired than the Welsh. The Portuguese would most probably play without one of their most consistent players, Pepe, which may play a huge role in the outcome of the match as he is also the key of the Portugal defense. Wales, on the other hand, are going to be without Ramsey, who was also key for the Welsh reaching this phase after scoring crucial goals in their last matches.
Statistics:
- This is the first ever competitive encounter between these two teams. The three previous meetings they have were all friendlies.
- Portugal have played the most matches without winning the European Championship with 33 matches and 0 trophies. They have lost 4 semifinals and 1 final (2004 Portugal - Grece 0:1)
- Portugal are unbeaten in their last 13 competitive fixtures (8W, 5D) all wins with a single goal difference.
- Wales have lost only 2 of their 10 games at major tournaments, Brazil 1958 (0:1), England 2016 (2:1)
- France is the only team to score more goals than Wales at this European Championship with the Welsh scoring 10.
- Bake has the most shots on target than anyone at Euro 2016 with 14 kicks on target, he has scored 3 of them.
Sports News&Analysis Prediction:
Wales win 1:2 after extra time (1:1 at the full time).
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