UEFA Euro 2016, semifinal: Portugal beats Wales 2-0

Friday, July 8, 2016

On Wednesday, Portugal defeated Wales 2–0 in the UEFA Euro 2016 semifinal. This was the first time in this tournament Portugal won the match within 90 minutes of game play.

Welsh team after losing 2–0 to Portugal.
Image: Gareth Bale on Twitter.

Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal against Wales facing his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale. Wales had better ball possession and passing accuracy than Portugal. Multiple attempts were blocked in the first half. The first half ended 0–0.

In the second half, Ronaldo scored a header from Raphaël Guerreiro's cross. Ronaldo's header was his third goal of the tournament. Three minutes later, Nani doubled the lead for the Portuguese from Ronaldo's assist. With a two-goal lead, Portugal got a chance to extend the gap in the 63rd minute from a free-kick. But Ronaldo's kick missed the target. None of Wales's attempts were fruitful, some blocked by the Portuguese defenders.

Portugal won the match, and Ronaldo was awarded the Man of the Match award. Portugal is to play France in the Final on July 10.

Ronaldo equaled UEFA President Michel Platini's goal-scoring record in the tournament, netting his ninth goal. Ronaldo has scored in four Euro tournaments.


July 6, 2016
21:00 (UTC+2)
Portugal 2–0 Wales Stade de Gerland, Lyon
Referee: Jonas Eriksson, Sweden
Cristiano Ronaldo Scored after 50 minutes 50' Booked after 72 minutes 72'
Nani Scored after 53 minutes 53'
Bruno Alves Booked after 71 minutes 71'
0–0 (HT) Joe Allen Booked after 8 minutes 8'
James Chester Booked after 62 minutes 62'
Gareth Bale Booked after 88 minutes 88'


Sources