Euro Semi Final Predictions


Written by Mark Lawrenson at BBC Sports

Wednesday, 6 July

Portugal v Wales (20:00 BST, Lyon)

It says a lot about Portugal, and this tournament, that they have got to the semi-finals without winning a game inside 90 minutes.

With the players they have got, I still feel like they have got a big performance in them but there is something not quite right about them as a team and I am not even sure how they are trying to play.

This game has been billed as Cristiano Ronaldo versus Gareth Bale but that is just a sideshow. Wales are all about team-work, albeit with a brilliant player in Bale at the top of it – in contrast, I am still not sure what Portugal are about.

I know Wales are missing suspended duo Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies but they will be well balanced and they will have a plan. Five games into Euro 2016, Portugal have not convinced me they have one.

Defensively, Portugal have been impressive enough – Pepe and Jose Fonte have played well, but they have not clicked going forward so far and I do not see it happening against Wales.

Without Ramsey, Wales might lack a bit of creative nous but they have got fantastic momentum and belief and, at the moment, they will feel like they can beat anybody.

Both teams will think they can win, because they will not consider the opposition to be top drawer, and it is incredibly close to call but I am going with Wales after extra time, via penalties.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1 (Wales to win on penalties)

Thursday, 7 July

Germany v France (20:00 BST, Marseille)

I was at France’s quarter-final win over Iceland and the 5-2 scoreline flattered them a little bit.

Yes, the hosts have got a weakness in defence – we know about that – but they have got three potential match-winners – Olivier Giroud, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann – flying and scoring goals, which is something Germany do not have.

With striker Mario Gomez definitely out injured, defender Mats Hummels suspended and midfielders Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger doubtful, I am not sure how the world champions will line up.

It is always difficult to tip against Germany because they very rarely have a bad day at this stage of a tournament, and even if they have an ordinary day they are good enough to win games.

But France will definitely believe they can beat them, especially with home support, and I am inclined to agree.

Lawro’s prediction: 0-2

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