With an average age of 28, the nation’s 23-man squad is far from being considered one of the more youthful teams at the tournament. Neither has it been considered as even close to being one of it’s best. It is however a squad with some of the most promising players under that age of 25 at Euro 2016.
Fernando Santos has said that he believes it to be his personal responsibility to guide a new generation of talent into the Portugal team, The Panenka takes a closer look.
The two sides have history and it is Fernando Santos’ men who will be looking to enact revenge for semi-final defeats in both the 1984 and 2000 European Championships.
Despite not yet winning a game inside 90 minutes there is something dangerous about the semi-finalists here. Their coach has a history of achieving the unachievable and could be set to reach the unreachable if ‘A Selecao das Quinas’ can defeat Wales at Euro 2016.
The Panenka takes a closer look at the Portugal boss’ team and tactics while paying special attention to the demons of disappointment from Euro 2004 and how that spirit is being resurrected to work in their favor 12 years later. Continue reading
Portugal are aiming to reach their second European Championship final while Wales are entering unchartered waters having never made it this far into a major international tournament before.
The winner of this tie will set up a semi-final with Wales or Belgium.
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The Panenka 
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