Portugal and Wales meet in Lyon in what could be a history making semi-final. Who would make a combined starting lineup from the two sides?
Goalkeeper – Wayne Hennessy (Wales)
Why he may not be a household name in the world of football but the Crystal Palace shot-stopper has a significant role to play in the outcome of this match. Neither he or Portugal’s Rui Patricio have been outstanding throughout the competition, but both have important roles to play. If Hennessy can stand tall throughout the match, Wales may soon find themselves in the European final.
Right-back – Chris Gunter (Wales)
With so much focus on the man up front for Wales in Gareth Bale, Gunter has established himself as one of the real unsung heroes of the tournament for his nation. The Reading man has faced up to some of the better wingers at the tournament including Belgium’s Eden Hazard and Gunter has rarely put a foot wrong on his side’s run to the semi-finals.
Centre-back – Pepe (Portugal)
There remains a doubt whether or not the Real Madrid midfielder will feature in the match as he continues to battle a thigh injury. His physicality at the back has been a key for the Portuguese as they reached the semi-final despite failing to have won a game during 90 minutes. His knowledge of Real team-mate Bale could be key to his side’s chances of reaching the final.
Centre-back – Ashley Williams (Wales)
The Welsh skipper has led from the front at Euro 2016 and is a major reason as to why his side have reached it to this stage of the competition. Apart of a back five for Wales, the Swansea City man will feature in the heart of the defence looking to command in the air and on the ground while guiding his fellow defenders, a major player in the outcome of the match.
Left-back – Neil Taylor (Wales)
Swansea City’s Taylor has been a strong performer for his side so far in France, as the Welsh continue their remarkable run at their maiden European Championship. Defensively the 27-year-old has shown he has the ability to dig his heels in and defend for his life, while going forward he is an attacking weapon having already found the back of the net at the tournament.
Central midfield – William Carvalho (Portugal)
Having received his second caution of the tournament in the penalty shootout win against Poland, Portugal will be without their midfield enforcer. Carvalho’s ability to link up the play between defence and attack is key for his side and is sure to be sorely missed. His physicality in the middle of the park is perhaps the biggest loss.
Central midfield – Aaron Ramsey (Wales)
In a bitter blow for Wales, they will also be without Aaron Ramsey due to the fact he has accumulated too many yellow cards over the course of the tournament. The Arsenal midfielder has brought energy to the midfield for Wales pressing the opposition at every opportunity, while adding an extra number as his team pushes forward.
Central Midfield – Renato Sanches (Portugal)
In his past two matches, Renato Sanches has shown exactly why he is considered one of the hottest prospects in world football with outstanding displays. Bayern Munich fans will have their mouths watering as Sanches continues to dazzle football fans, with his ability at such a young age. Right now the sky is the limit for the 18-year-old.
Forward – Nani (Portugal)
The former Manchester United winger has returned to some of his best form of late, hitting his straps at the pointy end of the tournament. While he may not be the Nani, who once terrorised Premier League defences he looms as a danger man for the Welsh against a side, with classy players across the pitch.
Forward – Gareth Bale (Wales)
The match has been built up as Bale v Ronaldo and rightly so as the two men are the stars of their respective teams. The Real winger has been at the forefront of the Welsh charge to the semi-finals and throughout the tournament has looked at his very best whether it be in open play or from a dead ball situation.
Forward – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
While the Portugal superstar may not be enjoying the greatest of tournaments, that does not mean we should discount him from having an effect on the latter stages of Euro 2016. The 31-year-old has shown over time that he can change the outcome of a match with a single moment of brilliance, something that may be needed in such a big game.
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