So who comes out on top in these two captivating semifinal matchups? Check out our picks for each one below.
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Euro 2016 Semifinals Predictions and Picks
Wales vs. Portugal (June 6, 3:00 PM ET)
Line: Wales +250 vs. Portugal +108, tie +190; total 2.0 – view all Euro 2016 lines
Portugal has played five full matches in Euro 2016 but has yet to come out on top in 90 minutes. The Portuguese have gone with quite a defensive style, especially during the knockout rounds. They’ve been very good at that style, too, with Pepe defending like a man possessed. However, the center-back is a doubt to play due to a thigh injury, which would be a big blow to the Portuguese defense.
They should still have the edge over Wales on offense, though. They have one of the deadliest players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, who is capable of producing magic at a moment’s notice. The likes of Nani and Ricardo Quaresma have also impressed in the tournament. Portugal’s forwards are nominally wide players, and their movement could be challenging for the Welsh defense to adjust to.
On the other side, Wales looked terrific in a 3-1 win over Belgium in the quarterfinals. However, they will be without their second-best attacking player, Aaron Ramsey, due to suspension. Ramsey’s absence will be tough to overcome, especially since he has been the primary link to Gareth Bale up front.
Wales has shown throughout the tournament that it is very well-organized. But without Ramsey’s help bringing the ball to the opposing half and taking the pressure off the defense, they could be forced to defend too much against Portugal.
Writer’s Prediction: Portugal wins it in 90 minutes, 2-1.
Germany vs. France (June 7, 3:00 PM ET)
Line: Germany +172 vs. France 153, tie +187; total 2.0 – view all Euro 2016 lines
Host nation France is coming off the biggest win in the quarterfinals, a 5-2 demolition of Cinderella team Iceland. The French finally fired on all cylinders offensively, a promising sign ahead of the semifinals. They undoubtedly have the attacking talent to trouble the Germans if they take the game to them.
However, the French are far from rock solid at the back. Even with defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante available once again, they haven’t really shown the right balance in midfield, even against very limited opposition like Albania and Ireland.
Meanwhile, Germany will be not be at full-strength against France. Starting center-back Mats Hummels is suspended, central midfielders Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger are both massive injury doubts, and striker Mario Gomez’s tournament is over.
Manager Jogi Low still has some options to turn to off his very deep bench, though. And as he showed against Italy, he can adjust his tactics according to the opponent. The Germans have yet to concede a goal in open play, and they inspire much more confidence in their ability to operate efficiently on both ends of the pitch.
Writer’s Prediction: Germany outfoxes France and wins, 2-1.
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