UEFA Euro 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo scores as Portugal beat Wales 2-0 to advance into final

Ronaldo led from the front, as he scored a first goal for his team off a brilliant header which came in the 50th minute of the game.

New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal defeated Wales 2-0 in the semi-final of Euro 2016 to book their berth for the final.

Portugal, who were the only team in the history of European Championship to reach the last four without a clear win, silenced their critics with a good show in the big match.

Ronaldo led from the front, as he scored the first goal for his team off a brilliant header which came in the 50th minute of the game.

Three minutes later, Nani extended Portugal's lead to 2-0 as he converted a brilliant cross from Ronaldo into another goal.

Earlier, while Gareth Bale and Ronaldo created plenty of chances, none of the teams managed to score a goal in the first half.

In a great gesture, Ronaldo was seen consoling Bale – his Real Madrid team-mate, post the match.

"The team did a marvellous job to reach the final. I hope on Sunday you`ll see me crying with joy," Ronaldo said.

"I always said I wanted to win something with Portugal. I`ve been at the highest level for 13 years. The statistics never lie."

Bale said Wales deserved better, when asked by British television.

"I felt so, it`s a difficult one to obviously analyse now. We are obviously massively disappointed but we`ve got to be proud of ourselves, first and foremost. We`ve given everything on the pitch, off the pitch."

Fernando Santos`s men now go on to a Sunday showdown at the Stade de France with Germany or hosts France.