EURO 2016 Semi-Final - Portugal Vs Wales: Expected Lineups, Suspensions, Prediction & More

The world’s most star studded club ‘Real Madrid’, who recently won the UEFA Champions league, is on a new high. Their Right Winger ‘Gareth Bale’ and Left Winger ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ will enter opposing dressing rooms in Lyon in a tussle that will form a fascinating subplot in the European Championships. They both have the stamina to take their teams to the finale, all alone. Bale has justified his price of being the world’s most expensive footballer by taking Wales to the semis for the first time in history. The question here is can Gareth Bale & Co. defeat the iron defence of Portugal, with another team-mate Pepe on the opposing squad? Can they hold on against the duel of Ronaldo and Nani? And maintain their calm when Quaresma enters?

Wales helpfully crushed world No. 2 Belgium with a 3-1 quarter-final triumph. It took at penalty shootout for Portugal to progress over Poland.


Wales and Portugal's ways to the semifinals couldn't be more diverse. The Welsh group, underdogs to begin the competition, has demonstrated an unforeseen power in the competition, inspiring with its strong joint effort drove by chief Ashley Williams, leading scorer Bale and manikin expert Aaron Ramsey in midfield. The Portuguese players, then again, have falter ventured their way through the titles, yet to win a game in 90 minutes. Captain Ronaldo is not taking care of business and that is reflected in his group's outcomes. However, while their play over the previous month favors Wales, Portugal knows how to pound out wins. What's more, the Dragons will be without Ramsey, who is suspended for the match, which could influence the fragile equalization mentor Chris Coleman has struck on his side. Being recognizable to semifinal recreations at real competitions — as just Portugal is in this match — could be a definitive decider.

From the horse's mouth

Fernando Santos, Coach, Portugal: Wales have had an incredible campaign. They came through a tough group and beat Belgium, the No1-ranked team [in Europe] 3-1! I greatly admire Chris Coleman – we spoke once or twice when he was in Greece. I understand why he says we're favourites. I bet he doesn't tell his players that, though.

Chris Coleman, Coach, Wales: We believe in each other. Portugal knows what semi-finals are all about; we don't mind being underdogs. It's about my players knowing they are safe in each other's hands – and they are. It's taking that identity onto the pitch.

Robson Kanu, Forward, Wales: Portugal hold a bit of a high line and there will probably be a lot more space in behind. Pepe will probably be seeing the back of my number a fair few times chasing after me. There will be duels all over the pitch and it is about coming out on top and hopefully we can do that.

Expected Lineups, Suspensions & More

Wales

- Suspensions: Ben Davies & Aaron Ramsey

- Expected Lineup: Hennessey, Gunter, Collins, Williams (C), Chester, Taylor, King, Allen, Ledley, Bale, Robson-Kanu

Happy moments �������� pic.twitter.com/byRHX1Uh0j

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 5, 2016

Portugal

- Suspensions: Pepe remains a doubt after missing Sunday's training session with a thigh injury. If he’s unavailable for the game, Ricardo Carvalho will replace him.

- William Carvalho is suspended, though defender Raphael Guerreiro and midfielder Andre Gomes are back in the selection contention after missing quarter finals against Poland

- Expected Lineup: Patricio, Cedric, Pepe, Fonte, Eliseu, Danilo, Sanches, Mario, Moutinho, Ronaldo (C), Nani

Score Prediction: 1-0, though it’ll a tough match, experts predict a Portugal victory.