Portugal
Jose Fonte
Age : 32 Last transfer value : £1.2 million
Club : Southampton FC International caps : 14
Position : Central Defence
The Southampton skipper was unlikely to be one of Portugal's stand out players given that veteran Ricardo Carvalho started ahead of Fonte alongside Pepe in central defence. However poor defensive performances saw Portugal concede against Iceland and an additional 3 against Hungary. By consequence the 38 year old former Chelsea man was replaced by the younger, yet less experienced Fonte. Fonte put in an impressive display against free scoring Croatia and helped Portugal to a clean sheet, limiting the offensive talents of Perisic and Rakitic. With Pepe an injury concern with a muscle strain Fonte must step up his game to nullify Bale on Wednesday. Bale and Fonte once played alongside one another in League one however they have both come a long way since then. Fonte's good reading of the game should help nullify the pace advantage of which the Welsh striker has over him. Expect a solid display from Fonte in what should be a very tight game.
Renato Sanches :
Age : 18 Last transfer value : £29 million
Club : Bayern Munich International Caps : 9
Position : Central Midfield
The Portuguese starlet has made quite the impact at the EUROs. His deflected strike against Poland ensured a rather lackluster Portugal side progressed to the Semi Finals. The central midfielder began the tournament on the bench however after putting in impressive shifts against Hungary and Croatia Sanches proved his competence to start against Poland. The youngster is a very dynamic player who always wants the ball, similar to the likes of Paul Pogba and Dele Alli, he possesses trickery in abundance which has seen him glide past numerous players. Furthermore Sanches is extremely physical and will effectively shield the ball from opposition if needs be. However Sanches's physicality is a risk to Portugal after he gifted Croatia a handful of dangerous free kicks after overly-imposing himself. Wales will be wary of the explosive midfielder whose fierce long shots could force Hennessey into action if the Welsh back line decide to sit deep.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Click for further insight on Ronaldo's contributions thus far
Age : 31 Last transfer value : £80 million
Club : Real Madrid International caps : 131
Position : Striker/Left Forward
The Portuguese and Real Madrid talisman needs little introduction and is undoubtedly the most talented player at the tournament since he has the ability to flip a game on its head at any moment. However Ronaldo has endured a frustrating campaign thus far, other than a brace against Hungary in undeniably his best match, Ronaldo has fluffed chances, wasted free kicks and also made some disgraceful comments about everyone's favourite team: Iceland. Despite Ronaldo's desperate form many expect him to perform on the big stage against Wales, especially if he finds himself against Swansea full back Taylor who suffered a torrid time against England's Walker previously. The trouble is that Ronaldo will often find himself central and swarmed by the 3 Welsh centre backs at every opportunity, like over excited dogs rushing their owner, giving him little chance to turn and travel with the ball. The likelihood of an unnoticeable performance is minuscule, Ronaldo's instinctive movement is sure to provide him with an opportunity, finishing it will be his and Portugal's main concern alike.
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