We always knew that the top half of the draw at Euro 2016 was going to be the easier of the two sides. Wales has proven just that. The Welsh, who had never played in this tournament in the past, are now two wins away from being known as the European champions, but standing in their way is a Portugal side which is still looking for its first win in this tournament.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Portugal +105
Wales +320
Draw +210
Over/Under 2 (under -115)
ODDS ANALYSIS
In spite of the fact that A Seleccao haven't won a game in Euro 2016, they're still the odds-on favorite to advance to the final without winning a match in regulation. They're +105 to win this match within regulation against a Welsh team which was a huge dog at the outset of this tournament.
Even though we've seen more goals in the latter stages of this match than we did at the beginning, the totals are still relatively low. The number for this match sits at a flat 2 with -115 vig on the under.
TOURNAMENT UPDATE
It's so hard to believe that a team is still playing in the semifinals of any major tournament without ever winning a match in normal time. Portugal though, is trying to do just that. The Portuguese have also only scored a total of five goals in normal time in five fixtures as well.
The road to the semis hasn't been hard, relatively speaking for A Seleccao. They beat Croatia 1-0, scoring the winning goal right on the verge of extra time, and they followed that up by dismissing Poland in penalty kicks. The Portuguese slotted home all five of their penalties to advance.
Wales has really defeated all odds to reach the semifinals. The Dragons beat Northern Ireland and Belgium to get into the penultimate stage of this tournament, the latter win of which was incredibly impressive. Remember that Wales was down 1-0 to the Red Devils after just 13 minutes, only to score three times without Gareth Bale putting one in the back of the net. They were victors by a 3-1 margin, sparking a huge cheer from the tiny nation in the U.K.
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The big problem that we've seen out of teams against Wales is the inability to close down in tight spaces. Sure, it wasn't Bale or Aaron Ramsey delivering the finishing blows against either Belgium or Northern Ireland, but both players were right in the middle of all of the success.
The Portuguese defense has had moments of brilliance and head-scratching moments as well. For example, right at the outset of the match against Poland, Robert Lewandowski, a man who had been forgotten in this tournament, was able to clear without any charge from the midfield to ultimately slot home the goal to break the ice.
Fortunately for A Seleccao, they were able to get the job done with a goal from Renato Sanches, but it was the shift in defense which made the difference. Poland really didn't have any fantastic chances after that, and that's why Portugal was able to get back into the fray.
QUICK PICK
Is the Wales train going to get derailed at this point? It's hard to say that Portugal truly deserves its spot in the semifinals, and if there's any justice in soccer, the Welsh will advance.
Unfortunately for the tiny nation though, there isn't often justice in soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo has put together some magic tricks in the Euros, and we think he's ready for yet another moment of greatness to add to his career. For as great as Wales has been, it's an overmatched side. This price of +105 might seem like a dud for a team which hasn't won in 90 yet, but we suspect this is the day Portugal puts forth its best effort now that it has put forth a great defensive showing for 118 minutes against Poland.
Euro 2016 Odds: Portugal 3, Wales 0
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Portugal and Wales will take place on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
