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Match time and location:
July 6 at 10:00 PM, at the "Parc Olympique Lyonnais" stadium. The match will be broadcasted live on LRT channel.
The teams' path in the tournament:
In the group stage, Portugal played three draws and advanced to the next stage as one of the top four teams taking third place. In the round of 16, they defeated Croatia 1-0 after extra time, and in the quarterfinals, they beat Poland in a penalty shootout.
Wales won two matches in the group stage and finished first in Group B. In the round of 16, they faced a derby against Northern Ireland, where they came out on top with a 1-0 victory. In the quarterfinals, Wales conceded the first goal but responded with three precise strikes to beat the Belgian team 3-1.
Team news from the camps:
Portugal will be without William Carvalho in this match, as he is suspended due to two yellow cards. There are also doubts about Pepe's chances of playing in the game, as the defender has been recovering from a head injury he suffered in training. Another player recovering from injury is Andre Gomes, who should be ready for this match.
Wales has problems due to disqualifications, with Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey set to miss the match.
Coaches' comments:
Fernando Santos (Portugal): "We are responsible for writing our own history. History and traditions are important to people and nations, but we are now writing a new page in history. This is a huge step towards our goal, against very strong opponents. It will be a tough match, but we have the talent to win it.
This is not Cristiano facing Bale. All four teams and all players in this stage have one goal. Wales has a good team, with technical players. Wales has had a fantastic tournament. They progressed from a tough group and beat Belgium, who is ranked first in the world, even 3-1! I respect Chris Coleman - we communicated a couple of times when I was coaching the Greek national team. I understand why he says we are the favorites. But I have no doubt he doesn't say that to his players."
Chris Coleman (Wales): "We believe in each other. Portugal knows what it means to be in a semi-final, and we are not worried that they are seen as favorites. I know my players will look out for each other - that's just who they are. That mentality shows on the field.
I never thought about the semi-final. When I looked at our group before the tournament, I thought we could go further. I know it's football, where anything can happen, but I only thought about how we would advance from the group.
All the teams have a good mood when they win matches. But our team spirit arose when things didn't go well and life wasn't so beautiful. But everything depends on the players. Even if you are the best coach in the world, without players who can implement your desires on the field, your efforts will be in vain. That's why I've been lucky."
Team statistics in the championship (per match):
Goals: Portugal 1.2 - 2 Wales
Shots on goal: Portugal 19 - 11.8 Wales
Corners: Portugal 7.8 - 3.4 Wales
Ball control: Portugal 54% - 47% Wales
Passing accuracy: Portugal 87% - 83% Wales
Aerial duels won: Portugal 15.8 - 18.2 Wales
Interceptions: Portugal 14.2 - 14.6 Wales
Key passes: Portugal 16.2 - 17.2 Wales
Expected line-ups:
Portugal: Rui Patrício; Cédric, Fonte, Ricardo Carvalho, Guerreiro; Danilo, João Mário, Adrien Silva, Sanches; Nani, Ronaldo.
Wales: Hennessey; Chester, Ashley Williams, Collins; Gunter, Allen, Ledley, Jonathan Williams, Taylor; Bale, Robson-Kanu.
What the experts predict:
Reymundo Tomayo ("Yibada"): "In these matches, the game of the stars will decide a lot. Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo should carry their teams forward, and the victory could be determined by Portugal's greater experience. However, the match will be tough and likely low-scoring. Portugal 1 - 0 Wales."
Paul Merson ("Sky Sports"): "Wales will be missing some players, and the absence of Ramsey will be felt the most. But if Portugal plays without Pepe, they will suffer no less of a loss. I know people talk about his theatrics on the field, but he is a very good defender, and his absence would be strongly felt.
Portugal's team has not won in 90 minutes and I don't think that will change. I believe this match will show how far Wales has come. Portugal 1 - 2 Wales."
Nick Ames ("Outside 90"): "Portugal's team has not shown good performances yet and has not won after 90 minutes. However, Wales playing without Aaron Ramsey could be the first team that Portugal finally shows what they can do. Portugal 2 - 0 Wales."
Interesting facts:
This will be the fourth meeting between these teams. The last one took place in 2000 when Portugal's national team won a friendly match 3-0.
This will be the first official meeting between these teams. All three previous encounters were in friendly matches.
Portugal's national team has reached the semi-finals already for the fifth time in seven attempts.
Portugal's national team has played the most matches in the European Championship without ever winning the tournament (33 matches).
Wales' national team has already surpassed all previous achievements. Their best result before was reaching the quarterfinals of the 1958 World Cup.
Portugal's national team has not lost in 12 official matches in a row (8 wins, 4 draws). All eight victories were achieved by a one-goal margin.
Wales' national team has lost only twice in final stages of European or World Championships in their history.
In this championship, Wales has been more successful than Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo has played the most matches in the history of the European Championship (19). He is also just one goal away from equaling Michel Platini's record of nine goals in tournament history.
Ronaldo has not scored from any of his 41 penalty kicks in European or World Championship final stages. Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has converted two out of five penalties in these tournaments.
In this championship, Bale has attempted the most shots on target (14).
In the last match, Renato Sanches became the youngest player ever to score in the knockout stage of the European Championship (18 years and 10 months old).
