Unless Ronaldo can do something special, Portugal could get found out in the final, just as Wales was in the semifinal.
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A lot of the talk in the build-up to the semi-final clash against Portugal in Lyon was about the successes of lesser fancied Denmark and Greece who won the tournament in previous years.
UEFA says English referee Mark Clattenburg will handle the European Championship final.
It paid off instantly with a corner in the 50th minute that Raphael Guerreiro floated in towards the far post where Ronaldo climbed high above two defenders to score.
As the team gathered for the photo prior to their Euro 2016 semifinal match against Wales, the ball boy approached and greeted several players, and, well … he just stuck around.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo again showed humility – he was previously seen consoling Luka Modric after Portugal knocked Croatia out of the tournament – as he took the time to console his heartbroken club teammate, whose side missed out on their first major final in history.
“The players are devastated but they should be very, very proud”.
Both Bale and manager Chris Coleman spoke of how proud they were of the team’s achievements and there was glowing praise in Thursday’s British newspapers. Granted, the Frenchman scored all of his goals in one tournament – 1984 – but Ronaldo shouldn’t be criticised for staying so good over 12 years.
“I was enjoying my dual with Ronaldo, the first-half went very well”, said Collins.
Back then, Cristiano Ronaldo was a 19-year-old forward, four years away from winning his first world player of the year title.
“Dreaming is free, so let’s continue to dream”.
Ronaldo could now have a lock on Ballon d’Or voters should he carry Portugal to victory in the final on Sunday.
“The Belgium game, when Vokesy (Sam Vokes) got the third goal and it looked like that would be enough, that was a huge moment for us”. Wales were clearly missing suspended Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey who has connected brilliantly with Gareth Bale throughout the tournament.
“I congratulated them on their run”, said Ronaldo.
Bale also repeatedly used his speed to test Portugal’s defenses, notably outsprinting Ronaldo in the first half to fire a cross from the right wing that King failed to reach.
“I feel there’s a couple more tournaments for this team”.
“We all know how long the wait has been, it’s been very long, so even to have been in the group stages was incredible”.
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In France, the two former club teammates are in ideal sync, with each scoring three goals to guide an imperfect Portugal side into Sunday’s final at the Stade de France against either Germany or the tournament hosts.
