Semi-Finals: Portugal v Wales, 6th July, 8pm

[JJ1532]

Hmm, one of these teams is not a surprise, the other most certainly is.

Portugal have scraped their way through(is that fair to say Bobbin? ), not winning a game inside 90 minutes so far in this tournament. But they've just about had the quality to see them progress. Can they get to their 2nd Euros final in 4 attempts? Is this Ronaldo's time to shine, given how underwhelming he's been for the most part in this tournament?

Wales though, wow. Bar one iffy performance against England, they've been incredible. 4 wins, all of them deserved. They've answered every question and every doubt so far, especially in their commanding performance against Belgium. Can't do it against a decent team? They are just a 1 man team? Well, they disproved both of those notions in the Quarters. Confidence will be at an all time high and they should give Portugal a game. I can even see them winning this.

Are Wales going to achieve the impossible and make the final? Or is Ronaldo and his evil minnions going to crush the Welsh dream?

 

[Stevencc]

SALTIRE

 

[Pagnell]

I've just tried to find a post of mine from a few weeks back where I talked about getting Wales in the office sweepstake and claiming that I may as well have thrown the money in the bin. For some reason it's been deleted. Anyway, it's quite funny because, if they beat Portugal, I pick up £20 minimum as second prize.

As for the game, I'm praying Wales win, and not just because it earns me money. Firstly, I've absolutely nothing against Wales and they're showing England what can be achieved with the right mindset. And secondly, I simply cannot find myself supporting any team containing Pepe and Ronaldo. I admire them from a footballing perspective, but on an individual level they annoy the fuck out of me. Ronaldo because he's a preening ponce who believes the footballing world should revolve around him and throws a hissy fit every time he realises it doesn't. And Pepe because he's a diving, play acting shitbag.

If Wales pull off a performance like they did against Belgium they'll take this I reckon. Rarely have I seen a team go this far in a tournament whilst playing football as mediocre as Portugal have and I'm hoping it finally catches up with them. Hopefully with Ronaldo missing another penalty or something similar.

A tight win for the Welsh.

2-1.

 

[SALTIRE]

SALTIRE

Doesn't matter does it, the winner of the other semi will be winning the Euros. I'll be rooting for Wales in this one however.

 

[Stevencc]

Doesn't matter does it, the winner of the other semi will be winning the Euros. I'll be rooting for Wales in this one however.

I do think the winner will come from the other semi-final, yeah.

I don't mind who wins in this one but I think Wales have enough about them to get to the final, they've been more impressive than Portugal throughout the tournament so far.

 

[SALTIRE]

I do think the winner will come from the other semi-final, yeah.

I don't mind who wins in this one but I think Wales have enough about them to get to the final, they've been more impressive than Portugal throughout the tournament so far.

Yeah I think Wales can do it also. Portugal are a dogged side though, got to hand them that, and will push Wales all the way. I think it will go the distance with Wales grabbing a winner in ET.

 

[Stagat]

Think Wales will win this.

Hope they win the whole thing.

 

[fifaking]

Only just come down from Belgium game after watching highlights about 100 times. Unreal.

I've been pessimistic for every game so far, but can't help feeling slightly confident for this. I've been away during both of Portugal's knockout games, but from what I've seen in the groups, and read about in the knockouts, Portugal have been average.

Also, I think Ben Davies is a bigger miss for us than Ramsey. Not sure who I want in defence. Jazz Richards is my preference at RB with Gunter slotting in at CB.. but Gunter has been one of our best players of the tournament at RB and don't really want him at CB. I just have fears in James Collins playing.

1-1 draw in the 90, and after that who knows... Come on Wales!

 

[Benji]

Gutted that Ramsey is missing it. Hoping that we haven't seen his last game of the tournament. So far Portugal haven't shown that they are so good we don't have a chance, but I'm concerned about how much our absentees may affect our system. Ramsey and Davies are both massive players for us.

 

[Pagnell]

Matchgeek. We get it. You have a blog. You don't have to link it every time you post.

 

[thespus]

I'm gutted for Aaron Ramsey; the yellow card rules in these tournaments need to be altered, and because of them Wales are missing their best performer thus far. I hope/think we'll see a big Gareth Bale performance.

Portugal haven't been convincing, but I don't think they've been as bad as I've seen suggested. They're structured similarly to Argentina with an emphasis on playing better defense and hoping the star man produces. They've created more chances in the tournament than France, and will likely start converting a few more. Sanches looks high quality.

 

[Abertawe]

Portugal will be a tougher game than Belgium.

Williams in for Ramsey, Collins in for Davies. Williams is an excellent technical player and can play in tight areas, if he can get into space he'll cause Portugal problems. Collins over Jazz, pace might be an issue but we're lacking aerially & set pieces so (Portugal strong point) he'll enhance us there. Jazz ain't good enough, might be nippy but Nani & Ronaldo would cut him to shreds.

 

[mnb089mnb]

Worst thing that can happen is that we lose semi final. I can handle that.

Up early tomorrow for another flight out. Wales need to get knocked out soon as I need to spend some time with my family (and do some work!).

 

[Maxythebest]

Portugal is too much stronger than Wales. Bale can't support the team alone.

 

[JaredSUFC]

I honestly can't believe tonight is happening, I never thought I'd see a Wales side go this far in a tournament. Tbh I'm still kind of shocked we're in a tournament.

Whatever happens tonight this team has done the country proud. Can we actually do it? Possibly, if we've learnt anything this last month is that this team is capable of anything

 

[lisbongooner]

They're my country, but Portugal have been sh***e. Fernando Santos came from Greece after Mr.Bento quit on the 1st Matchday of EuroQuals where he lost the dressing room and lost against Albania at home. Santos taes over and plays this Greek style negative football, Greece don't have football so, they play to their strengths, now , Portugal, they have a team and they CAN play better than this. At this rate, I'm not suprised if Wales/Cymru win today, they play solid, fast, flowing, positive football as a team. If Wales go to the final I'll suport them because:
1-Wales is a home nation
2- I don't want France to win. They don't have a team, Pogba's overrated and Payet for me has been the main man for the French.
3-Germany. OK. Acceptable, but I don't want a country dominating football again.
4 It's Wales!
Ricky Q (Quaresma) will probably come in on the 2nd half, to score the goal, and the , manager will play for aet.
The most probable S11 for the Portugal - Patrício, Cédric, Fonte (or Carvalho) , Pepe, Guerreiro, J.Mário, A.Silva, A.Gomes (or Moutinho),R.Sanches, C.Ronaldo, Nani (later swapped by Quaresma most probably). William doesn't play as he got a Yellow Card and he'll be a blow to the team.
P.S. Welcome Maxy

 

[fifaking]

They're my country, but Portugal have been sh***e. Fernando Santos came from Greece after Mr.Bento quit on the 1st Matchday of EuroQuals where he lost the dressing room and lost against Albania at home. Santos taes over and plays this Greek style negative football, Greece don't have football so, they play to their strengths, now , Portugal, they have a team and they CAN play better than this. At this rate, I'm not suprised if Wales/Cymru win today, they play solid, fast, flowing, positive football as a team. If Wales go to the final I'll suport them because:
1-Wales is a home nation
2- I don't want France to win. They don't have a team, Pogba's overrated and Payet for me has been the main man for the French.
3-Germany. OK. Acceptable, but I don't want a country dominating football again.
4 It's Wales!
Ricky Q (Quaresma) will probably come in on the 2nd half, to score the goal, and the , manager will play for aet.
The most probable S11 for the Portugal - Patrício, Cédric, Fonte (or Carvalho) , Pepe, Guerreiro, J.Mário, A.Silva, A.Gomes (or Moutinho),R.Sanches, C.Ronaldo, Nani (later swapped by Quaresma most probably). William doesn't play as he got a Yellow Card and he'll be a blow to the team.
P.S. Welcome Maxy

Haven't seen much mentioned in the British media about William Carvalho being out. Always looks good when I've seen him. Is that a big loss for Portugal?

 

[lisbongooner]

Well, I think so. We need him for the Defensive Midfield. Besides, Portugal works well with what's called the "Sporting Trio" - Adrien, Carvalho and Mario, though if we want another Def.Mid. it's Danilo from Porto although he isn't really good. William takes those balls from the adversary and advances with the ball upfield.

 

[Nilsson]

Really starting to sink in now, win this and we're in the final. I think we will beat Portugal but whatever happens: this has been one hell of a ride.

Oh, Britannia the pride of the ocean
The home of the brave and the free,
The shrine of the sailor's devotion,
No land can compare unto thee.

 

[JimJams]

Hoping for a Wales win. Not cos I like you fuckers but because I don't think Portugal have shown enough so far in the tournament. I also prefer that Wales use their star player but don't bow down to him like Portugal with Ronaldo (when will someone get the bollocks to take the free kicks off him?). As at Real where Ronaldo is involved it's always 'me, me, look at me' whereas Bale is about the team.

Andy King will score!

 

[Big Bird]

1-1 Portugal on pens. Though I've been wrong about most things this tournament.

 

[Jockney]

Maybe not a surprise anymore, but Wales giving as good as they've got and certainly don't look awed.

 

[Jockney]

Hoping for a Wales win. Not cos I like you fuckers but because I don't think Portugal have shown enough so far in the tournament. I also prefer that Wales use their star player but don't bow down to him like Portugal with Ronaldo (when will someone get the bollocks to take the free kicks off him?). As at Real where Ronaldo is involved it's always 'me, me, look at me' whereas Bale is about the team.

Andy King will score!

World Class goal-hanger, though.

 

[Stevencc]

Collins has Ronaldo in his back pocket.

 

[tinpot]

Wales doing a good job here. Ronnie isn't in it.

 

[Super_horns]

Going to be ET again?

 

[JimJams]

That'd "Be good"!....

 

[Liam_SWFC]

A cagey first half there not a lot going on, Wales have been solid and very well organized, Ronaldo yet again hasn't been in the game. Portugal have been poor as they have all tournament and this game is there for the taking for Wales if they step up their attacking game second half. Need to get more support in and around Robson-Kanu.

 

[GodsGift]

I think Wales might regret not going for this a bit more if they end up going out. Portugal are there to be beaten.

 

[JimJams]

Giggs seems to have forgotten his lines.