There are just three teams left in Euro 2016, and it still must be winnowed down to two on Thursday night. With Portugal already occupying one spot in the Euro 2016 final, we collate out best content from the last 24 hours to catch you up on all things European Championship. For all the latest news, reaction and analysis also visit our microsite.
1 – Portugal get the Cristiano Ronaldo they needed
And Wales simply needed more Gareth Bales.
Ian Hawkey breaks down the Portugal v Wales semi-final, which saw Ronaldo rise to his determined best, and Bale's best try:
“It was never going to be just, as Gareth Bale kept insisting, about he versus Cristiano Ronaldo.
“But chances were, if there was to be a single match-winner, an ice-breaker, in Wales against Portugal, it was likely to be one of the two superstars.”
2 – Cristiano hopes you see him crying
Crying tears of joy, that is.
The Real Madrid star hinted after reaching the Euro 2016 final – the farthest he has gone with Portugal since losing the Euro 2004 final to Greece at 19 years old – that this could be a career capstone:
“I hope on Sunday you’ll see me crying with joy,” said Ronaldo
“I always said I wanted to win something with Portugal. I’ve been at the highest level for 13 years. The statistics never lie.”
3 – In pictures
As befitting any match involving Ronaldo, the imagery from Wednesday night was vivid, and expressive.
Catch all the best shots from all the angles of the Portugal v Wales Euro 2016 semi-final in our photo gallery.
4 – Previews
It’s not all just Cristiano Ronaldo. Germany and France have a semi-final to play on Thursday night, too.
Cheating a little, let us offer two links in one blurb: First, read Ian Hawkey on how a reserved France, taking cues from cautious Didier Deschamps, need to now throw it to the wind and be as bold and daring as they can muster against world champions Germany.
Then see Richard Jolly's thoughts on how Germany will have to summon the determination that has guided them through difficult, disadvantaged matches of days past as they enter their semi-final depleted.
5 – Scars that don’t heal
If it is Germany and France, it means the 1982 World Cup will inevitably hang above the air.
Revisit that match, which "had everything – spectacular goals, a brutal clash and a dramatic comeback, before finally, a nail-biting penalty shoot-out".
“For many, West Germany’s 1982 World Cup semi-final against France in Seville remains the ultimate, an engrossing duel providing new plot twists at every turn.”
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