After a pathetic 1 correct correction out of 4 in the quarter finals, things can only get better in the semi finals. Gareth Bale's Wales take on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal while Germany meet tournament hosts, France in the glamour tie of the round.
Whether they like it or not the pre-match discussions will be dominated by Real Madrid team mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. So far in the tournament we have seen a different Portuguese side to what we are use to - a more disciplined, defensive side, but also one that can be frustrated by teams deep defending. With Pepe an injury doubt. veteran Brun Alves is likely to step in to add experience to an inexperienced defence. 18 year old Renato Sanches has covered defensive and offensive areas of the park expertly in the time that he has been on the pitch. Now at Bayern, Sanches scored with a stunning strike to equalise against Poland in the previous round. The young protege will be just as vital as Ronaldo if Portugal are to progress.
Wales have thrilled everyone in the tournament this year with their performances. It's particularly refreshing to hear Gareth Bale liken himself to his team mates and and describe the positive atmosphere that shrouds the Welsh camp. In previous match, they were on the ropes in the first 15 minutes with Belgium attacking and the Welsh defence repelling 4 shots within a few moments that were destined for the back of the net. After falling behind thanks to a Radja Nainggolan screamer, Wales regrouped and equalised through Ashley Williams 20 minutes later. Hal Robson-Kanu adopted the persona of Johan Cruyff for the second goal when a smart goal sent several Belgian defenders the wrong way before shooting past Thibaut Courtois. Chris Coleman's side showed all the character that got them to this stage with great defensive commitment before sneaking a third goal on the break thanks to Sam Vokes.
The absence of Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey in the Welsh side due to suspension will be a massive blow. James Collins and Andy King come are the replacements to make their first starts so there will be a bit of rustiness. Attacking wise, Collins has the potential to be a threat from set pieces. It's very tight to call and it is likely that this match will go the distance, I tip the Welsh to make history.
France were very impressive in the first half against Iceland, racing into a 4 goal lead. This allowed Didier Deschamps to haul some of the key players that were on bookings off to prevent them from being suspended for the semi final. The flowing football on display was gripping, with Dmitri Payet, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann all linking up for a combined 4 goals and two assists. Moussa Sissoko replacing the suspended N'Golo Kante. Paul Pogba showed glimpses of what he was capable of in the midfield, but it will be unlikely that he will be afforded the time and space against Germany as he was in the previous round. One concerning issue from a French point of view was the soft goals conceded. Kolbeinn Sigthorsson poked one home at the near post while Birkir Bjarnason grabbed a second with a header. Both were unmarked and Deschamps will surely have to work on this before the match tomorrow night.
The injury to Mario Gomez, the only number nine striker taken to the competition has thrown a massive spanner in the works of Joachim Low's plans. A physical presence in the air, Gomez would have troubled the French defence and could have given Germany an upper hand in the game. Mats Hummels is also ruled out due to suspension, yet Germany are likely to come into this game as favourites. Despite such a prolific goal scoring record at the World Cup, Thomas Muller is yet to get off the mark in the Euros, but an advanced role in the absence of Gomez is likely to make him more of a threat. Mesut Ozil has been a shining light so far in the tournament, summed up with a great goal against Italy. Playing in the number ten position, teams have found him difficult to deal with so far and Germany will be looking to utilise the Arsenal playmaker at every possibility.
It's the best attack in the tournament up against the best defence. Germany will be favourites for the game, particularly with France's inconsistencies throughout the tournament so far. Like most games these days, the midfield will be where it is won. Germany have Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger who both like to sit deep and control the play, while France's Paul Pogba will be likely to cover more ground over the pitch. With Germany's terrific record at penalty kicks, this will play in the back of the French minds. My heart says France but my head says Germany.
Wales have thrilled everyone in the tournament this year with their performances. It's particularly refreshing to hear Gareth Bale liken himself to his team mates and and describe the positive atmosphere that shrouds the Welsh camp. In previous match, they were on the ropes in the first 15 minutes with Belgium attacking and the Welsh defence repelling 4 shots within a few moments that were destined for the back of the net. After falling behind thanks to a Radja Nainggolan screamer, Wales regrouped and equalised through Ashley Williams 20 minutes later. Hal Robson-Kanu adopted the persona of Johan Cruyff for the second goal when a smart goal sent several Belgian defenders the wrong way before shooting past Thibaut Courtois. Chris Coleman's side showed all the character that got them to this stage with great defensive commitment before sneaking a third goal on the break thanks to Sam Vokes.
The absence of Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey in the Welsh side due to suspension will be a massive blow. James Collins and Andy King come are the replacements to make their first starts so there will be a bit of rustiness. Attacking wise, Collins has the potential to be a threat from set pieces. It's very tight to call and it is likely that this match will go the distance, I tip the Welsh to make history.
France were very impressive in the first half against Iceland, racing into a 4 goal lead. This allowed Didier Deschamps to haul some of the key players that were on bookings off to prevent them from being suspended for the semi final. The flowing football on display was gripping, with Dmitri Payet, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann all linking up for a combined 4 goals and two assists. Moussa Sissoko replacing the suspended N'Golo Kante. Paul Pogba showed glimpses of what he was capable of in the midfield, but it will be unlikely that he will be afforded the time and space against Germany as he was in the previous round. One concerning issue from a French point of view was the soft goals conceded. Kolbeinn Sigthorsson poked one home at the near post while Birkir Bjarnason grabbed a second with a header. Both were unmarked and Deschamps will surely have to work on this before the match tomorrow night.
The injury to Mario Gomez, the only number nine striker taken to the competition has thrown a massive spanner in the works of Joachim Low's plans. A physical presence in the air, Gomez would have troubled the French defence and could have given Germany an upper hand in the game. Mats Hummels is also ruled out due to suspension, yet Germany are likely to come into this game as favourites. Despite such a prolific goal scoring record at the World Cup, Thomas Muller is yet to get off the mark in the Euros, but an advanced role in the absence of Gomez is likely to make him more of a threat. Mesut Ozil has been a shining light so far in the tournament, summed up with a great goal against Italy. Playing in the number ten position, teams have found him difficult to deal with so far and Germany will be looking to utilise the Arsenal playmaker at every possibility.
It's the best attack in the tournament up against the best defence. Germany will be favourites for the game, particularly with France's inconsistencies throughout the tournament so far. Like most games these days, the midfield will be where it is won. Germany have Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger who both like to sit deep and control the play, while France's Paul Pogba will be likely to cover more ground over the pitch. With Germany's terrific record at penalty kicks, this will play in the back of the French minds. My heart says France but my head says Germany.