1. Aaron Ramsey loss key for Wales
AARON RAMSEY’S ABSENCE turned out to be key as Wales bowed out of Euro 2016 at the hands of Portugal this evening.
True, Portugal’s had their own problems, with the likes of William Carvalho and Pepe unavailable, but Fernando Santos’ side’s superior squad depth ensured their setbacks weren’t as keenly felt.
By contrast, Wales badly missed the drive and creativity of the Arsenal midfielder. They simply couldn’t break down a stubborn Portugal resistance without the 25-year-old star, while Gareth Bale seemingly tried to over-compensate with his main link-up man missing, as the Real Madrid player’s ambitious passes and shots failed to pay off more often than not.
Consequently, Wales leave France following a gallant effort and a historic few weeks, but Chris Coleman will surely be wondering what might have been if he had been able to field his best team.
2. Portugal’s big-game experience shows
A glance at the two starting line-ups tonight tells a story.
Bale aside, in their starting XI, Wales had players from Crystal Palace, Reading, Swansea, West Ham, West Brom, Liverpool and Leicester, with some of those players not even regular starters for their clubs.
Meanwhile, the Portugal side comprised of players from the following clubs: Sporting, Southampton, Cagliari, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Sporting and Valencia.
Meanwhile, Wales brought players from Burnley, MK Dons and Crystal Palace off the bench, while Portugal introduced players from Monaco, Besiktas and Valencia.
This was Wales’ first major tournament since 1958, while some players in the Portugal squad have already competed in several by now.
The majority of Portugal’s team would have Champions League or Europa League experience, whereas few Welsh players could say the same.
This big-game experience and greater footballing intelligence was evident in the ruthlessness with which Portugal killed off their rivals in the second half, scoring two quick-fire goals before shutting up shop and giving nothing away in the final few minutes.
Therefore, once Ronaldo powered a header into the net, the game’s outcome was seldom in doubt.
3. Ronaldo still a class apart
Even a supposedly below-par Ronaldo has managed to outshine most of the other big names at Euro 2016 this summer.
The Real Madrid star now has three goals and three assists in total since the start of the competition in a Portugal side that is not exactly blessed with creativity.
The 31-year-old superstar came good when his side needed him most this evening with two game-changing moments — opening the scoring with a brilliant header, before taking the shot from which Nani scored the second.
Moreover, his effort this evening saw him equal Michel Platini’s record of nine goals at the European Championships, and he is certainly on a par with the legendary Frenchman in terms of talent.
It would be fitting were Ronaldo to break the record on his way towards achieving virtually the only honour that has eluded him thus far in his career — a major trophy at international level.
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