Portugal VS Wales Match Prediction

There have only ever been three matches between Portugal and Wales and none of them have been at the finals of a major international tournament. 

The most recent meeting was a friendly back in 2000, with Portugal running out 3-0 winners, while the other two games were both over 50 years ago, with Portugal and Wales each winning once, so Portugal just about have the edge in the head-to-head record for this semi-final.

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Portugal v Wales: Prediction

Portugal are yet to win a game in 90 minutes at Euro 2016, but they start as favourites for this semi-final clash in Lyon. The star power of Ronaldo is inspirational, but Wales have a fantastic team spirit and they could come out on top here. 

Wales star man Bale - Ronaldo's Real Madrid team-mate - is goalless in his last two appearances after scoring in each group game and he will be desperate to get back to goalscoring form.

Portugal v Wales: Betting Tips

Portugal have done nothing to justify their status as 6/5 favourites for their semi-final and there is much more value to be found in the 3/1 available on Wales, while odds of 2/1 on the draw are also very tempting. 

The Bale/Wales to score and win double can be backed at a whopping 6/1 for those backing Chris Coleman's men to continue their fine run at Euro 2016, while the 13/5 on Portugal to win by a single goal is also worthy of consideration. Portugal are 6/11 to qualify for the next round, with Wales at 7/5 to reach the last four of Euro 2016.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos will be forced into at least one change following his team's penalty shoot-out win against Poland in the last round, as William Carvalho misses out through suspension. 

Joao Moutinho could therefore come back into the side, with Danilo Pereira the other defensive midfield option in the squad.

Renato Sanches will keep his place after his man of the match display against Poland, with Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo seeking to add to their two goals so far at the finals.

Portugal likely XI: 

Patricio, Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Eliseu, Mario, Pereira, Sanches, Gomes, Nani, Ronaldo.

Wales stunned Belgium 3-1 in their quarter-final but two key players miss the last-four clash against Portugal through suspension. Chris Coleman is likely to bring in James Collins for defender Ben Davies, with Andy King in line to replace banned midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The Arsenal midfielder is a particularly big miss for Wales as he has four assists so far at the finals, with Hal Robson-Kanu set to continue alongside Gareth Bale up front after his superb goal in the victory over the Red Devils.

Wales likely XI: 

Hennessey, Gunter, Chester, Williams, Collins, Taylor, King, Ledley, Allen, Bale, Robson-Kanu.

Wales have been the biggest story of the finals to date and they will be confident of taking another scalp here, with Portugal yet to show off their best form at Euro 2016. Ronaldo v Bale will grab the headlines, with despite being without Ramsey and Davies, the team spirit in the Wales camp can see them pull off another shock result. Wales to reach the final.

Portugal are in the semi-finals despite failing to win a game in 90 minutes at Euro 2016.