Ronaldo scores, Portugal beats Wales to advance to Euro 2016 final
The Iberians used two goals early in the second half to advance
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1 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are just one win away from international cup glory. On Wednesday, Portugal beat Wales in the Euro 2016 semifinal 2-0, setting up a date with the winner of Thursday's France-Germany match.
The final, which is on Sunday, will see Portugal make its first final appearance since the 2004 Euro, where it lost at home against heavy underdog Greece.
Two early goals in the second half set the tone and secured the win. It was Ronaldo who scored a towering header off a corner kick on 50 minutes, then setting up Nani three minutes later as the Real Madrid star hit a low shot that the winger redirected into the goal from just yards out.
Down and trying to find their way back into the match, Wales pushed up in numbers but rarely could cause trouble for the Portugal defense who was without the injured Pepe. In the final 10 minutes, Wales looked like more of a threat but Rui Patricio pushed one dangerous Gareth Bale shot wide and his defense did the rest to hold on.
The loss ends Wales' magnificent run to the semifinals, as the team wasn't expected to make it past the round of 16 at the most. Portugal, with the win, won its first match at the tournament in regulation. After drawing all three group stage games, the Portuguese beat Croatia in extra time and needed penalty kicks to beat Poland in the quarterfinals.
Note: If Germany beats France on Thursday, Portugal will also secure a spot in next summer's Confederations Cup as Germany already qualified thanks to winning the 2014 World Cup.
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