Portugal vs Wales Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Portugal have managed to scrape through to the semi finals of Euro 2016 after not winning a single one of their matches in normal time. They drew all three group matches against Iceland, Austria, and Hungary before beating Croatia in extra time in a torrid first knockout match.

Their quarter final saw them come back from a goal behind against Poland after a 2nd minute goal from Robert Lewandowski put them on the back foot. Talented young midfielder Renato Sanches equalised 12 minutes before half-time after his shot deflected in. The match on a whole was another dour display from both sides as Portugal looked to win their first game of the tournament, but despite being on the front foot for much of the second half they couldn’t make a breakthrough against a Poland side who haven’t trailed at any point during the competition. Extra time offered little to no excitement, and it was eventually settled when Jakub Blaszczykowski had his penalty saved.

Wales reached the semi finals in much more promising fashion. They went into a quarter final against Belgium as big underdogs despite their impressive performances against them in qualifying. Their task was made even more difficult when Radja Nainggolan opened the scoring with his second stunner of the tournament just 13 minutes in, and Belgium continued to press. The game flowed freely and a huge amount of chances were created at both ends in a titillating first half, but captain Ashley Williams, who had recovered from a shoulder injury he sustained against Northern Ireland, sent the whole of Wales into raptures with an equaliser. Hal Robson-Kanu drove spirits even higher with an excellent finish to put Wales 2-1 up, and amid late Belgian pressure Wales launched a counter attack and wrapped the tie up thanks to a composed header from Sam Vokes.

A 3-1 scoreline was perhaps just a bit flattering on Wales. They performed remarkably well against their star studded opposition and played the counter attack with excellent efficiency, but it could have been a wholly different result had a penalty been given for one of two very solid claims for a spot kick. However, they took advantage of the poor refereeing decisions to secure the greatest result in Wales’ history.

Whilst Portugal have won none of their games in normal time and put in a number of very laboured performances, Wales have managed to win four of their five games in the tournament so far and look like a really solid team.

Portugal are relying heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo, who snatched at a hat full of chances against Poland and looked as if the pressure was getting to him. Wales have their own world class star in Gareth Bale, but he is playing in a well drilled system that allows his teammates to benefit from his presence rather than just rely on it.

In terms of overall player quality I think Portugal have the edge, but Wales are leaps and bounds ahead of them in terms of teamwork and tactics, and Bale is far outshining his Real Madrid teammate with his unselfish attitude and genuine commitment to the team. Wales have an excellent chance of making more history on Wednesday, and after their performance against Belgium my prediction is for them to do it.

However, Portugal have proved difficult opponents so I’m expecting a tight match. I’m backing a Wales Win or Draw Double Chance at excellent value odds of 8/11. I’m expecting yet another extra time showing from Portugal too, so I’m going for a 1-1 correct score prediction at 5/1.