Wales have already surpassed all expectations on their first ever appearance at the European semi-finals, however Portugal have reached the last four despite not winning a game in 90 minutes.
Gareth Bale leads Wales into battle against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the Euro 2016 semi-finals on Wednesday hoping to become the first British side to reach a major tournament final in 50 years.
Wales have already surpassed all expectations on their first ever appearance at the European Championship finals by reaching the last four with a rousing 3-1 win over the highly-fancied Belgium. However, the spectre of the Real Madrid teammates, the world's two most expensive players, going head-to-head adds extra spice to an already dazzling encounter in Lyon.
"It's not about two players, everyone knows that, it's about two nations in a semifinal," insisted Bale on Tuesday in a bid to defuse the billing of he and Ronaldo's all-star showdown. He's a fantastic player, everyone knows what he can do. We concentrate on what we can do as a team, and not concentrate on individuals."
Despite winning the Champions League twice in three years with Madrid, Bale has tended to be overshadowed by Ronaldo in the Spanish capital, where the Portuguese is a living legend as the top scorer in Real's history. However, of the two Bale has been in better form in France, scoring in all of Wales' group games and forcing Northern Ireland's Gareth McAuley into the own goal with a devilish cross which decided their last 16 tie.
By contrast, Ronaldo has looked surly, stressed and well off his usually impeccable standards in front of goal. The three-time world player of the year scored twice against Hungary to become the only player to score in four separate European championships. But he failed to find the net against Iceland, Austria, Croatia and Poland.
However, Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes defended his captain's displays. "He has worked a lot for the group and that is the most important thing. He has given his all," said the Valencia man. "Bale is a reference for Wales just as Cristiano is for us. Bale knows the Spanish league, but I have also played against British teams before and I know their style. They are strong, aggressive, they attack and counter-attack very well. You can't talk about favourites in a semifinal. If Wales have got this far it is because they have deserved too. We have to have respect."
Portugal have reached the last four despite not winning a game in 90 minutes as they were the only side to progress having drawn all three group games before Ricardo Quaresma's 117th minute extra-time winner saw off Croatia and penalties were needed to oust Poland in the quarter-finals.
Bale, though, refused to be fooled by Portugal's route to a fourth semi-final in their last five Euros. "We know what tournament they have had. We have watched all their games on TV. They are a dangerous team. They are ranked very highly and are not in the semi-final for no reason," added Bale."Even if they haven't won, they've got the results needed. We will do our homework as normal. Hopefully on the night we can put in another great performance and make more history."
Both sides will be disrupted by suspension with Ben Davies and in particular Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey a huge miss for Wales. Crystal Palace's Jonny Williams is expected to replace Ramsey, whilst Davies's absence could provoke a reshuffle in defence with Chris Gunter moving from right wing-back into the back three making way for Fulham's Jazz Richards to make his first start of the tournament.
Portugal are short of the banned William Carvalho, but Gomes and Joao Moutinho are in contention to start after recovering from injury. Danilo is the most obvious option to occupy Carvalho's holding role in midfield.
Match timing: 12.30 am, July 7
Where to watch: Sony Six, Sony ESPN and live streaming
Deadly duel
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Age: 31
Position: Forward
Caps: 131
Goals: 60
Gareth Bale, Wales
Age: 26
Position: Winger
Caps: 60
Goals: 22
Gareth Bale has outshone Cristiano Ronaldo at the tournament until now, but Ronaldo is an immense presence and a deadly finisher who will certainly bounce back to his best at some point. The question is whether he will do so on Wednesday
Stat Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo has played in more games than any other player in Euro finals (19). He’s only one goal short of Michel Platini’s record of nine goals in the competition.
Portugal have played the most games in the history of the European Championships without ever winning the tournament (33).
Both the teams have produced equal number of goals in their three previous encounters, whilst Wales are yet to keep a clean sheet against Portugal.
Portugal has reached the semifinal of Euro in their last seven participation.Wales have lost 2 number of games in their last 10 games at major tournaments, both by a one-goal difference: against Brazil in 1958 (0-1) and England in 2016 (1-2).
Wales have scored more goals at this year’s Euro (10). Only France (11) have scored more than Wales. Bale has had 14 shots on target this tournament, more than any player. Also, he’s scored with three of them
Predicted XI
Portugal: Patricio, Cedric, Pepe, Fonte, Eliseu, Danilo, Sanches, Mario, Moutinho, Ronaldo, Nani
Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Collins, Williams, Chester, Taylor, King, Allen, Ledley, Bale, Robson-Kanu
Manager talk:
Fernando Santos, Portugal
"We're responsible for writing our own history. History and tradition is important for people and countries, and that helps us here, but we're writing a new chapter now," said Santos, Portugal coach. He realises that Wales is a strong opponent that has performed better than them in the tournament but still feels confident about his home talent.
Santos insists not to make it about Galacticos alone. "Wales have had an incredible campaign. They came through a tough group and beat Belgium, the No1-ranked team in Europe 3-1!"
Talking about Wales coach, Santos said, "I greatly admire Chris Coleman – we spoke once or twice when he was in Greece. I understand why he says we're favourites. I bet he doesn't tell his players that, though."
Chris Coleman, Wales
Coleman insists that the Welsh side has confidence and belief in each other, despite the lack of experience at a major tournament. "Portugal know what semi-finals are all about; we don't mind being underdogs. It's about my players knowing they are safe in each other's hands – and they are. It's taking that identity onto the pitch."
Accepting that he had never given semi-finals a thought before Euro, Coleman said that he saw the group they were in and thought they have the capability of qualifying forward. "I know football and anything can happen, but if we got it right I thought we'd get out of the group. Everybody's got good team spirit on a shiny day when they're winning. But our team spirit was born in the dark days when things weren't so rosy."
The destiny of winning or losing the match is on the players, according to Coleman. "Even if you're the best coach in the world, if you haven't got the players who can go out on the pitch and do it, then it's for nothing. I'm lucky."
Team News
Portugal: William Carvalho will not be playing in the semi-finals due to suspension. Pepe is also doubtful to make an appearance due to thigh pain.
Wales: Two players -Davies and Ramsey - have earned suspension.
With agency and UEFA inputs.
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