Wales lose in Euro 2016 semi-final: How their players rated against Portugal
- Published
Wales' heroic Euro 2016 run came to an end one game before the final as they lost 2-0 to Portugal in the last four.
How did their players rate in the biggest match in the history of Welsh football?
Wayne Hennessey (goalkeeper) - 6
There was nothing Hennessey could do to stop Ronaldo's opener
Coped well with Portugal's early flurry of crosses but was powerless to deny Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal's opening goal. The Crystal Palace player was unfortunate to be wrong-footed by Nani's deflection for the second goal.
Chris Gunter (defender) - 6
Watchful against the threat of Ronaldo cutting inside from Portugal's left, the Reading defender was kept busy by the likes of Renato Sanches and Nani and struggled to influence the game in attack.
James Chester (defender) - 7
Switched to the left side of Wales' three centre-backs in Ben Davies' absence, the West Brom man timed his advances well to make interceptions. Beaten by Ronaldo for Portugal's opening goal but won a team-high eight aerial duels.
Ashley Williams (defender) - 7
Ashley Williams was kept busy by Ronaldo but never gave an inch on Wednesday night
Made some strong early challenges, particularly on Cristiano Ronaldo, to assert his authority on the game. The Swansea City skipper led by example, winning 100% of his 50-50 contests with Portugal players.
James Collins (defender) - 6
Making his first international start since March 2015, he competed well in the air as Portugal sought to make the most of Ronaldo's aerial prowess. Wales might have missed Ben Davies' distribution but his replacement was solid defensively.
Neil Taylor (defender) - 5
Like Gunter, kept on the back foot by Portugal's attacking players. Pushed forward but, when he got into promising positions, struggled to provide quality crosses.
Joe Allen (midfielder) - 5
An early booking for a foul on Nani made his job of protecting Wales' defence difficult, but still the Liverpool midfielder buzzed around with intent. Typically sound in possession but not as influential as he has been earlier in the tournament.
Joe Ledley (midfielder) - 5
Showed imagination with a low corner which led to a chance for Gareth Bale but had only limited influence in open play before being replaced by Sam Vokes shortly after Portugal's second goal.
Andy King (midfielder) - 6
Made some characteristic runs into the Portugal penalty area but could not make the crucial connections. Forced deeper as Portugal's midfield gained control in the second half, the Leicester Premier League winner had to curb his attacking instincts.
Gareth Bale (forward) - 7
Wales superstar Gareth Bale had five shots, forcing three saves
Trademark runs from deep and at a startling pace had Portugal's defenders backtracking in the first half but his influence waned in the second period. The Real Madrid forward's audacious long-range shot was Wales' last effort.
Hal Robson-Kanu (striker) - 6
Brimming with confidence following his stunning goal in the quarter-final win over Belgium, the free agent stretched Portugal's defence with his powerful running. He was starved of the ball in the second half, however, as the match wore on.
Substitutes
Sam Vokes (on for Ledley, 58 mins) - 5
Brought on shortly after Wales fell 2-0 behind, the Burnley striker failed to connect meaningfully with any of the crosses which came his way.
Simon Church (on for Robson-Kanu, 63 mins) - 5
Did not see much of the ball and, when he did, was not in a position to cause Portugal any problems.
Jonny Williams (on for Collins, 66 mins) - 5
Tried making his usual probing runs between the opponents' midfield and defence but found himself crowded out.
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