It’s already been a dream for Wales, making the semifinals in the nation’s first major competition since 1958, but Chris Coleman’s men aren’t done yet.
Standing in the team’s way of their first European Championship final is Portugal, led by Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The two squads will battle to be the tournament’s first finalist on Wednesday afternoon at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
Coming off of two consecutive extra time performances against Croatia and Poland, the Portuguese will look to reach its second Euro title match after making their fourth semifinals appearance in 2016. Portugal fell victim to Greece in the 2004 Euro final in arguably the biggest upset in the competition’s history.
Ronaldo’s two goals in the group stage have helped Portugal reach the final four, while Nani and youngster Renato Sanches have been come to life as the competition has progressed.
Wales is led by their own Real Madrid attacker, Gareth Bale, who trails only Antoine Griezmann at Euro 2016, with three goals. The dynamic playmaker has been the side’s dominant player up front, while centerback Ashley Williams has held down the fort defensively.
Despite key performances for the Welsh throughout the tournament, Coleman’s side will be missing two vital figures in the midfield on Wednesday, with Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies each suspended due to yellow card accumulation. For Portugal, midfielder William Carvalho will miss the semifinals clash as well.
How do you see Wednesday’s match panning out? What will you be watching for?
Share your thoughts below.
Portugal are both lucky and mediocre, but here they are, to the final. The other side of the draw, with italia and espana already gone, and France Deutschland locked into a death match tomorrow, is beyond brutal.but, life is unfair…wales several overachieved, credit to them and all, but they didn’t really belong there…but, you have to feel happy for Cookie Coleman and what he has done there.
espn.com still not doing a boot room.
Portugal lost to greece in the 2004 Euro final.
Portugal wear red jerseys.