Will Portugal end Wales' fairy tale Euro 2016 run?
Portugal has not won a match inside 90 minutes, yet Ronaldo and company are one win away from the Euro Cup finals. Will they take care of business against upstart Wales?
Wales vs. Portugal, Euro 2016 semifinal
Parc Olympique Lyonnais, France, Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET
Wales +300
Portugal +115
Draw +200
Total 2 (Under -115)
How they got here
Wales doesn't want its improbable run to end. The small soccer nation, making its first appearance in international competition since 1958, has played the role of giant killers, ousting Belgium 3-1 in the quarters. Despite conceding just 13 minutes into the match, Wales scored three unanswered goals to win in surprisingly easy fashion.
Portugal is into the semfinals although hardly playing their best soccer. Through five matches, Fernando Santos' side has failed to register a victory inside of 90 minutes; tying all three group stage matches before sneaking by Croatia in extra time and needing penalty kicks to nip Poland. Detractors call their trip to the semifinals rather fortuitous while supporters see them as a team of destiny.
Who to watch
All the pre-match buildup is about dueling Real Madrid strikers Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Gareth Bale (Wales). Aside from an outstanding second half against Hungary, Ronaldo has looked like anything but a world-class striker. Bale didn't score in the quarterfinal win over Belgium, yet he's given this Welsh side a belief that anything is possible. And he's always the focal point for opposing defenses.
But the biggest issue in this match is who won't be on the pitch due to suspension.
The numbers compiled this tournament by Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey are absolutely staggering. His 359 touches (128 in attacking third), 211 passes completed (63 in attacking third), and 15 chances created (13 in attacking third) are all tournament bests. His contributions for the Dragons are impossible to replace given the team's limited depth.
Fullback Ben Davies also is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, meaning two key cogs are unavailable, testing Chris Coleman's tactics. Portugal will be missing fullback William Carvalho, but the dropoff to his replacement Danilo isn't as signifcant.
What will happen
Tournament soccer is all about surviving and advancing.
Call it fortunate or accidental, given Portugal's Houdini act so far, yet the Selecao are just one of four teams alive. Wales (along with Iceland) are the reason we watch international competition, hoping David can take down Goliath. Without two key contributors for the semifinals, however, this could be the end for Wales.
It's not easy backing a Portuguese side that has yet to win a game inside 90 minutes. That said, Portugal understands the opportunity in front of them, and after recent near-misses an aging Ronaldo knows making good on a promise he made at 19 is just two results away from reality.
The Play: Portugal -.25 (-125)
Euro 2016 YTD: 6-10-1 (-6.45 units)