Pre-Match Analysis : Wales vs Portugal

Published 07/05/2016, 7:51 PM EDT

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In the first semi-final of the 2016 edition of the European Championships on the 6th of July in Lyon, France will see the clash of two sides who have had quite opposite Euro campaigns so far. Featuring for just the second time in a major competition, Wales cruised through the group stages, clinching the top spot in the so-called ‘Group of Death’, ahead of England, Slovakia and Russia, and being the under dogs, completed an emphatic turnaround against Belgium in the quarter-finals. Portugal on the other hand have had a regrettable campaign thus far, as they have registered just a single win (against Croatia in the Round-of-16), after abysmal performances in the group stages against tournament minnows Austria, Hungary and Iceland.

Here, we analyse the two teams ahead of this mammoth encounter.

The Defense:

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Wales’ defense has been impressive considering the lack of big names in the back-line. Ashley Williams, who scored Wales opener in the quarter-finals against Belgium, along with Ben Davies have been fantastic in the heart of the defense. However, they need to keep up their game to neutralize the impact provided by the likes of Nani, Renato Sanches and Ronaldo.

Portugal’s defenders haven’t exactly been up to the mark, as the defense was breached in majority of the fixtures, with the match against Hungary being the worst (Portugal conceded three in that match). Pepe, Jose Fonte, Ricardo Carvalho have all struggled to keep goalkeeper Rui Patricio off his toes, even in those games when Portugal kept clean sheets. Portugal’s defense is one area which surely needs improvement if they are to ward off the threats posed by Bale and Co.

The Midfield:

Wales will severely miss the presence of Aaron Ramsey in the semi-final, as the Arsenal midfielder has been suspended on account of acquiring too many yellow cards. The pair of Joe Ledley and Joe Allen have been performing reasonably well by supporting the back four and stabilizing Wales’ game play. Filling the shoes of Ramsey will be major ask, as he was the vital link between the midfield and the forwards, assisting four and scoring one.

The midfield trio of Andre Gomes, Joao Mario and William Carvalho haven’t hit the best of their forms for Portugal, with Carvalho being particularly dismal at the base of the midfield. Renato Sanches has been phenomenal, continuing from his exploits at Benfica. Veteran midfielder Ricardo Quaresma has been impressive too, and with the likes of Joao Moutinho on the bench, if Portugal’s midfield are able strike the perfect rhythm on Wednesday night, Wales would have to overcome a humunguous obstacle if they want to qualify for the final.

The Attack:

Wales’ attack has been one of the best in the tournament. They have scored 10 goals so far, with Gareth Bale being the pivotal player. Wales’ goal-scoring success is courtesy of the ample support provided to Bale by forwards Sam Vokes and Hal-Robson Kanu, who caught the eye of several clubs when he scored that incredible goal against Belgium. Neil Taylor and Aaron Ramsey have also contributed on the goal-scoring front.

For Portugal, the burden of goal-scoring, supposed to be carried by Ronaldo, has fallen squarely on the shoulders of Luis Nani, and the Fenerbahce winger has been nothing short of extraordinary.  Nani has troubled defenders throughout the competition, scoring twice and assisting once. If Ronaldo, who has struggled to switch to his prolific goal-scoring self, manages to do it against Wales, then the ex-Manchester United duo of Nani and Ronaldo could take Portugal all the way to the final in Paris.

Bale vs Ronaldo:

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Wales and Portugal have become synonymous with talismanic forwards Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. Football pundits as well as fans agree that the performances of these Real Madrid team-mates is the most crucial factor in determining their respective team’s fortunes in Euro 2016. While Bale has lived up to his expectations, Ronaldo has disappointed so far. Though Bale has been silent in terms of goal-scoring after netting in each of his side’s three games in the group stage, the prolific Welshman has been a constant threat for the opposition throughout the tournament. Ronaldo showed glimpses of his class in the game against Hungary, but apart from that, he has been a pale shadow of the player who is accustomed to tearing through defences.

The outcome of this match will be shaped not only by the individual brilliance of the two costliest players in the game of football, but also the overall team-work of the side which is able to provide the required support to its respective talisman. This encounter should be a mouth-watering one.

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Written by:

Rajat Mohile

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