Euro 2016 – Match Preview – Portugal vs Wales

Euro 2016 – Match Preview – Portugal vs Wales

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Portugal and Wales will continue their pursuit of history when they meet in Lyon for a place in the final.

The Portuguese have a strong record at the European Championships, securing their sixth straight quarter-final appearance in France and their fifth visit to the final four in their history. However, after losing the 2004 final at home to Greece, what the Portuguese set-up needs is a victory to cap off their international record. With one of the world’s best in Cristiano Ronaldo assisted by some of Europe’s best young talents, this year’s tournament is shaping up as a golden opportunity to secure a maiden title.

Wales, on the other hand, were considered outside chances to qualify for this year’s tournament, but have made the most of their Euro debut, topping their group and disposing of world number two Belgium in their march to the semi-finals. Leicester City may have shocked the world by winning the Premier League, but Wales are on the brink of achieving something similar in France.

Key Battle – Pepe vs Hal Robson-Kanu

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. It was certainly the case for Hal Robson-Kanu in the quarter-final against Belgium. With the scores level in the second half, the 27-year-old produced the move of the tournament to put his side in front. With his back to goal and three defenders around him, all it took was one swift turn to leave the Belgian players in his wake before finishing past the helpless Courtois. Amazingly, it was only Robson-Kanu’s fourth international goal from 34 appearances, underlining his sudden rise to prominence at Euro 2016. Currently off-contract after being released by Reading, another impressive performance could raise his standing in the transfer market even further.

Surprisingly enough, Pepe has been part of a strong Portuguese defence rather than making headlines for the wrong reasons. Aside from the three goals conceded against Hungary, Portugal’s defence has been one of the main factors behind their run deep into the tournament. If Pepe can continue to keep his composure against the Welsh attack and Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale, his forwards should do the job required for victory.

Team News

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The main dilemma facing Fernando Santos will be the role of Ricardo Quaresma. The veteran forward has been crucial in the knockout stages, scoring an extra-time winner against Croatia and the winning penalty against Austria. Quaresma has shown he can step up to the challenge when it counts, and should be rewarded with a starting spot in the semi-final.

Wales will have to do without key playmaker Aaron Ramsey, who will miss the match after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Belgium. With four assists in the tournament, Ramsey has shown himself to be one of the most effective midfielders in the final four, leaving a massive hole to fill for Chris Coleman to fill.

Previous Meeting

These two nations have only met once before, in a friendly match before Euro 2000. The Portuguese ran out 3-0 winners that day thanks to goals from Luis Figo, Sa Pinto and Nuno Capucho.

Prediction

Portugal are yet to produce a complete performance, failing to win any of their matches inside 90 minutes. However, with the quality at their disposal and Wales missing key man Aaron Ramsey, this could finally be the match where Portugal show what they are truly capable of.

Portugal 2 Wales 0

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