Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani net twice in three minutes to crush Welsh hopes as Euro 2016 journey ends in Lyon.
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Of Ronaldo’s latest goal-scoring exploits, which saw him match France legend Michel Platini on nine goals at the European Championship finals, Bale added: “He’s a natural goal-scorer and he scored yet again”. And alas Portugal were through to the final where they will face a formidable test in either favorites Germany or hosts France. I am very proud of that. I deserve it, Portugal deserves it, the fans deserve it – every single Portuguese person deserves it. Thankfully everything worked out for us.
“We are a proud nation, we are proud of what we achieved”.
“I am very confident”. Now he wants his players to show the same hunger and desire to qualify for the 2018 World Cup from a group that includes Austria and Ireland. I can’t tell you how proud I am – I am prouder of this team than any team I’ve ever been involved in because I know what they’ve sacrificed to get to this stage.
“I am very confident and I believe that all these boys deserve it”.
In a cagey first half Portugal struggled to find Ronaldo, opting for long crosses into the box that were easy pickings for central defender James Collins.
Goals from former Manchester United duo Ronaldo and Nani within 180 seconds of each other in the second half saw earn themselves a shot at European glory against the victor of tomorrow’s other semi-final between Germany and France.
Former Wales forward Craig Bellamy echoed Giggs’ thoughts and felt Wales missed suspended midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
Wales midfielder Joe Allen was booked early on as he fouled Nani after losing the ball to him in a risky position, while James Collins had to head clear as Cedric Soares crossed threateningly towards Ronaldo. Portugal won the match 2-0.
His Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale tried hard in search of a goal throughout the match but could not creat miracles despite making some impressive runs.
Just a minute later and it would be 2, with Ronaldo again playing a major role.
From Joe Ledley’s training-ground corner he swiped a shot into the stands, while a galloping run down the right wing culminated in a shot that flew straight into Rui Patricio’s gloves.
Cliff Jones, who played for Wales the last time they qualified for a major tournament in 1958, tweeted: “They have created their own history, but this is only the start not the finish for this team”.
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And with Wales rocking, a Portugal side that had failed to win a game in 90 minutes in the rest of the tournament doubled their advantage as Ronaldo’s scuffed 25-yarder was prodded home by Nani with the defence in disarray.
