Wales out to inflict more last-4 woes on Portugal
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IT will be virgin territory for Wales when it faces Portugal in the Euro 2016 semifinals yet its opponent could be forgiven a sense of deja vu as it steps on to the pitch in Lyon today.
This will be Portugal’s fourth semifinal in the last five editions of the competition stretching back to 2000, but for all its success in reaching the latter stages of the tournament, there has been little glory along the way.
Only once has it overcome the last-four hurdle and then it was beaten in the final by Greece as host at Euro 2004.
If you include its defeat in the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup and a loss at the Euros in 1984, it is becoming all too familiar with the pitfalls of this stage of major tournaments.
Portugal’s conquerors in its recent last-four clashes have included powerhouses France, at Euro 2000 and the World Cup in 2006, and Spain at Euro 2012.
Should it lose to Wales, playing its first major tournament in 58 years and its first ever semifinal, it would be a devastating blow. Yet Wales is arguably the form team coming into the match, having topped its group and beaten heavy favorite Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Portugal is yet to win a match inside 90 minutes, having drawn all three group games, beaten Croatia in extra time and edged past Poland on penalties.
Things are yet to click for Portugal, and by extension for captain Cristiano Ronaldo, but with an assured defense, it will be tough to break down. Especially as Wales will be without midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who is out after picking up a booking in the win over Belgium.
The match is likely to be billed as a duel between the world’s two most expensive players — Ronaldo, playing a record third Euro semifinal, and his Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale.
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