AND THAT'S IT! Portugal are in the final! Portugal 2-0 Wales!

PORTUGAL BEAT WALES TO REACH THE FINAL

 It was Ronaldo’s header, one of those jump-jet take-offs that put him higher than anyone else in the penalty area that finally tipped the game in Portugal’s favour.  
   
His ninth goal in four European championships dating back to 2004 makes Europe’s current greatest player the all-time highest goalscorer at a Euros alongside Michel Platini who scored all of his at 1984, and would probably swap the lot for the restoration of his lost reputation.


 


Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player to play in three Euro semi-finals (also in 2004 and 2012).
Ronaldo also appeared in his 20th Euros finals game, three more than any other player (Buffon and Schweinsteiger on 17).

Ronaldo equalled Michel Platini’s record of nine Euros goals.
Five of Ronaldo’s nine goals have been headers.

This is fourth time Ronaldo has scored and assisted in same Euros finals game, twice as many as any other player (Since 1980).

With key players suspended, it was always going to be difficult, and so it proved. They sorely missed Aaron Ramsey’s influence in midfield. 

Wales’ progress has been magnificent, but there is a core group that manager Chris Coleman could never do without in matches of this nature, and Ramsey is among them. 

The last time a major international competition used a format of 24 teams reduced to 16 for the group stage, a lucky loser – third-placed Italy – ended up in the final, and so it is here. Portugal finished third behind Hungary and Iceland, did not win a single game inside 90 minutes until Wednesday night – but here they are. 

So Ronaldo must have something. This is not a great Portugal team, but it is propelled by the desire of a great player.

 

 

What a header it was, to open the scoring. Ronaldo out jumped James Chester but no fault can be attached to the centre-half. 

He was simply beaten by the better man, a short corner whipped in. Ronaldo eyes on the ball, leap, hang – and in like a rocket. 

Just three minutes later, that lead had doubled.

 

 Nani's touch on the ball took it in the opposite direction to where Hennessey was diving and suddenly, Portugal led by two

 

'In the bitter disappointment of defeat, when everything suddenly seems stale and underwhelming, it is important to remember exactly what Wales have achieved at these Euros.'From a position where few expected them to get out of their group, where most expected them to finish second to England in that group at best, they reached the semi-finals.

'It is not the most important nor the most demanding of comparisons but it is important to remember no British team has done better than this at a major tournament for 50 years.

'This was the stuff that dreams are made of. This was the kind of run that will never be forgotten.
'Many of the Wales fans who were here in France had the best days of their lives.

 Chris Coleman and his team made their nation proud and earned the admiration of all who watched their progress. It has been a joy to watch them play here.'




  
 
 

 Portugal will now face either France or Germany in Sunday's final