Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Joao Mario at the end of the match against Wales.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored one
goal and inadvertently set up the other as Portugal ground out a 2-0 win
over Wales on Wednesday to march into the Euro 2016 final.
The Portuguese superstar, who has had to soak up a lot of criticism
for a lacklustre tournament by his high standards, majestically powered
in a 50th-minute header to put his side in front.
Ronaldo equals all-time goal scoring record
Ronaldo then saw his shot turned in by Nani for a second goal three
minutes later, ending Wales' remarkable run at their first major finals
since 1958.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the first goal against Wales.
The Portuguese, who had not won
a single game in the tournament over 90 minutes, next meet hosts France
or Germany who play their semi-final on Thursday.
Wales kept their opponents quiet in the first half but could not
recover the two-goal deficit, ending a scintillating run that has
captivated millions back home and turned their players into heroes.
The Welsh, with midfielder Aaron Ramsey suspended and replaced by
Leicester City's Premier League winner Andy King, had an early spell of
possession but a tight Portugal defence kept them at bay.
Portugal's second goal scorer Nani is substituted by Ricardo Quaresma.
Portugal, bidding for their
first Euro final since losing on home soil to Greece in 2004, had their
first chance in the 16th minute, a low drive by Joao Mario after a
clever flick from Ronaldo.
Wales responded as Joe Ledley found Gareth Bale with a low corner and the forward fired over the bar.
The Welsh, playing their first major tournament semi-final, did not
suffer from stage fright with their back line, supported by midfielders
Ledley and Joe Allen, remaining disciplined and compact.
In a cagey first half Portugal struggled to find Ronaldo, opting for
long crosses into the box that were easy pickings for central defender
James Collins.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Wales' Gareth Bale after the game.
Portugal injected some urgency after the break, pressing high up the field.
It paid off instantly with a corner in the 50th minute that Raphael
Guerreiro floated in towards the far post where Ronaldo climbed high
above two defenders to power his third goal of the competition.
They doubled their lead with Nani sliding into the box to connect
with Ronaldo's mishit shot and claim his third goal of the tournament.
Wales players look dejected after loss against Portugal.
Wales were then lucky not to
concede more goals as Portugal, now unbeaten in 13 competitive matches,
continued to dream of a maiden international trophy.
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