Ronaldo ends Wales' fairytale run as he scores one makes one in the space of three minutes to book Portugal's place in the final

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the joint most European Championship goals in history with nine

The great Wales adventure at Euro 2016 came to a disappointing end as they were beaten in the semi-final by Portugal in Lyon.

Chris Coleman's side entered the biggest game in Welsh football history at their first major tournament since 1958 carried by a wave of emotion and optimism after their 3-1 win against Belgium in the quarter-final.

The big threat was always going to be Cristiano Ronaldo - and so it proved as his magnificent header broke the deadlock after 50 minutes and his shot was redirected in by former Manchester United team-mate Nani three minutes later.

Wales sorely missed the energy and authority of suspended Aaron Ramsey in midfield and with Ronaldo overshadowing his Real Madrid team-mate Bale in this semi-final's crucial battle, a journey that has made a country proud reached its conclusion.

Portugal will now face hosts France or Germany in the Stade de France final on Sunday.

Live reaction to Portugal's win over Wales here.

Wales exit with pride

Wales' players went to applaud their fans at the end of the game

The Wales fans have been magnificent at Euro 2016, entering into the spirit of a patchy tournament with the same passion and positive thinking that has epitomised Coleman's squad.

And as defeat became increasingly inevitable on a steamy night in Lyon, they showed their appreciation for what they have seen in these recent weeks with rousing songs and a splash of colour.

Wales may have lost here but the manner in which they approached Euro 2016 was exemplary and has provided memories that will last a lifetime, especially those second-half goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes that sank Belgium.

They took the tournament head-on, perhaps only wavering when gripped by the occasion against England in Lens, even then only losing to Daniel Sturridge's injury-time winner.

The confidence Wales can take away from France will provide the ideal platform for their World Cup qualifying campaign to reach Russia in two years' time, which starts against Moldova in Cardiff in September.

Ronaldo edges out Bale

Real Madrid team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale spoke after the final whistle

It was the great personal confrontation of this Euro 2016 semi-final - the meeting of the two Real Madrid superstars on either side.

And, sadly for Wales, it was Ronaldo who came out on top, although this is no reflection on Bale, who has been a shining light on and off the pitch in France. He was tireless in Lyon and ends the tournament with his reputation enhanced as an international.

Bale was dangerous in the first half here, especially with one dangerous run and cross and shot clutched by Rui Patricio, but once Wales had suffered those two blows early in the second half it was beyond even his powers to be the catalyst for a comeback.

Ronaldo had a quiet first 45 minutes but, as the greats do, he changed the emphasis of game with a towering header that was a triumph of power, technique and ability that flashed past Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Now he has the chance to crown his career with the honour that has always escaped him, namely leading Portugal to victory in a major tournament.

A step too far for Wales

Wales were robbed of their dreams of reaching the Euro 2016 final when they conceded those two goals in three minutes at the start of the second half - and it was then that it looked like their exertions in reaching the last four finally caught up with them.

The demoralising effect of those two goals from Ronaldo and Nani had a visible impact on Coleman's team.

Wales never looked likely to launch a comeback. Indeed it was Portugal who threatened to add more goals with Ronaldo firing a blistering free-kick just over as well as having other chances.

Once those blows had been delivered, Wales looked tired and short of ideas. There is no shame in that and they can take their leave from Euro 2016 with heads held high.

The game in numbers

• Cristiano Ronaldo is the first player to play in three Euro semi-finals (2004, 2012, 2016).
• Ronaldo has appeared in 20 European Championship games, three more than any other player (Gianluigi Buffon and Bastian Schweinsteiger on 17).
• Ronaldo equalled Michel Platini's record of nine Euros goals. Five of them have been headers.
• This is only Portugal's second semi-final victory in a major tournament (out of seven) and their first on foreign soil.
• This was Portugal's first win at Euro 2016 in normal time.
• Wales failed to score for the first time in their last six games.
• Since the start of 2015, Wales have failed to win any of their four games without Aaron Ramsey (D1 L3).

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The match made tense and nervous viewing for suspended Welsh duo Ben Davies (left) and Aaron Ramsey

Portugal and Real defender Pepe missed out on the Euro 2016 semi-final encounter against Wales due to an injury

Barcelona superstar Messi sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined £1.7m over tax charges... but he won't go behind bars

A Spanish court found 29-year-old Argentina superstar Lionel Messi and his father Jorge guilty of three counts of tax fraud. In a statement, the court said their sentences can be appealed through the country's Supreme Court. However, under Spanish law a prison sentence under two years can be served under probation, meaning Messi and his father are unlikely to go to prison. The court ordered Messi to pay a fine of around 2 million euros (£1.7million) and his father to pay 1.5 million euros for the crimes.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Manchester United sign midfielder from Borussia Dortmund

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is Armenia's all-time top scorer, with 19 goals in 59 appearances

Manchester United have signed Armenia midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan from German club Borussia Dortmund.

The 27-year-old joins United for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal, with the option of a further year.

The Armenia captain was the 2015-16 Bundesliga player of the season and scored 23 goals in all competitions.

"Henrikh is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal," manager Jose Mourinho told United's official website.

"I am delighted he has chosen to sign for United.

"I believe he will make an impact on the team very quickly as his style of play is suited to the Premier League.

"We are all looking forward to working with him."

Mkhitaryan said he is "very proud" to sign for Manchester United, adding: "This move is a dream come true for me.

"I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time.

"I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me.

"Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honours my father's memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young."

Mkhitaryan made 140 appearances and scored 41 goals for Dortmund after joining them for £23.5m in 2013.

He is the son of one of Armenia's most famous footballers, Hamlet Mkhitaryan, and won the first of his 59 caps for his country a week before his 18th birthday.

'It's time for a new chapter and a new challenge': Giggs confirms he'll quit United after 29 years to become a boss

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs on Saturday bowed out of Old Trafford after 29 years with a reminder to Jose Mourinho that the club has a tradition of giving youth a chance and playing attacking football.

In a fascinating departure statement from one of the most important figures in the club's history, Giggs backed Mourinho to succeed at United.

He also thanked Sir Alex Ferguson and Louis van Gaal for their influence on his career - but failed to mention David Moyes. 

Ryan Giggs (right, pictured with Jose Mourinho) has ended his 29-year association with Manchester United

Manchester United boss Mourinho offered Giggs a reduced role and the Welshman rejected it

Giggs (left, pictured with Gary Neville) won 13 Premier League medals during his playing days at United

As United welcome £26million Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund and prepare an astonishing £100m bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba; Giggs, 42, confirmed that the next stage of his career was to become a manager.

Giggs played a record 963 times for United between 1991 and 2014, winning 35 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice. He joined the club as a 14-year-old and was present throughout Ferguson's glory years. 

Giggs said: 'After 29 seasons at Manchester United as a player and assistant manager, I know winning is in the DNA of this club - giving youth a chance, and playing attacking and exciting football. It's healthy to have high expectations, it's right to expect to win. Manchester United expects, deserves, nothing less.

'This is why it is a huge decision for me to step away. I'll take away so many special memories as well as a lifetime of experiences that will, I hope, serve me well in the future. However, the time feels right and although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be.'

Manchester United paid tribute to Giggs by referencing one of his famous Old Trafford chants

Giggs during his first year in United's senior side and his most memorable celebration of his career

Giggs lifts the prestigious Champions League trophy in 2008 (left) and poses with the Premier League

Giggs is believed to have been unhappy with the direction in which United went after Ferguson's retirement in 2013. He played for a season under Moyes, taking over as interim manager for the final games after the Scot was sacked, before hanging up his boots. He then worked as Van Gaal's assistant for the past two seasons. Rui Faria is expected to replace him as Mourinho's No 2. 

Without mentioning Moyes, Giggs added: 'I've been extremely fortunate in having two great managerial mentors; first in Sir Alex, who I've spent the majority of my life working with and learning from and who I believe will remain as football's greatest ever manager, and in more recent times, Louis van Gaal, whose c.v. speaks for itself. The knowledge I have gleaned from them has been invaluable.

'I want to reiterate my thanks to the backroom staff and support teams at Manchester United I've worked with over the years. The results on the pitch are a reflection of the hard work off it. I would not have achieved the success I have without the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of these people in creating the best environment for the team to succeed.'

Giggs was part of David Moyes' coaching staff during the Scotsman's troubled reign at Old Trafford

Though Mourinho has a reputation for prioritising defence and was criticised at Chelsea for not giving young players a chance, Giggs thinks he will succeed at Old Trafford - provided he takes heed of the club's traditions.

'I want to congratulate Jose Mourinho on his appointment as manager of the world's biggest club,' he said. 

'There are only a handful of proven winners at the very highest level and Jose is unquestionably one of them. I know the fans will welcome him. My final thank you is to the fans. I cannot begin to tell you how much I will miss walking out at Old Trafford in front of you. I have loved every minute both as a player and assistant manager. The support you have always shown me has been phenomenal. Thank you.

'It's time for a new chapter and a new challenge. I'm excited about the future - I've had the best apprenticeship into management anyone could ever ask for.'

Mourinho will link back up with his assistant Rui Faria (left), a move that has paved the way for Giggs to depart

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: Ryan's place in the history of Manchester United is assured. He has been a constant presence at the club since 1987 and during his playing days, regularly delighted crowds - first with his dazzling wing play and later with his intelligence and ability to dictate a game. 'He has tackled his coaching and management responsibilities with similar rigour and diligence.

'The experiences and discipline he developed at United will undoubtedly be a big help as he continues to learn his trade.

'He has all the attributes to be a terrific manager in the future. He will be missed but will always be welcome at Manchester United.'

Giggs was compared to George Best when he burst into the United first-team at 17. Under Ferguson's strict guidance - legend has it that the manager turned up at a house party to turf out Giggs and team-mate Lee Sharpe and send them to bed - he developed into one of the club's senior players and was part of the side that won the Treble in 1999. He ended up with 168 goals in 963 games.

RYAN GIGGS' MANCHESTER UNITED EXIT IS SAD... HE DESERVES BETTER

Ryan Giggs' rather untidy exit from Old Trafford is sad but perhaps not surprising given the direction Manchester United have taken in recent years.

The most decorated player in the history of English football deserves a better send-off from the club he has served exclusively for nearly 30 years than to disappear quietly through the back door following months of speculation with his advisors haggling over a pay-off.

No-one is suggesting that Giggs has a divine right to become United manager, and you could understand why new manager Jose Mourinho does not want a potential rival sat alongside him in the dugout.

United have been on the decline since Sir Alex Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill stepped down

But there are ways and means of handling a situation like this and, once again, United appear to have got it wrong.

Unfortunately, the club's decline off the pitch since the departures of manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill in 2013 have been matched by an equally sharp fall in standards off it.

Once a club that conducted its business swiftly and with dignity behind closed doors – not least with Ferguson's own exit – United have allowed too much to be played out in the public eye.

Speculation over Louis van Gaal's future dragged on for too long before he was unceremoniously dumped a day after lifting the FA Cup, having learned the news from website reports that emerged minutes after the final whistle.

Louis van Gaal (right) named Giggs as one of his assistants but the Dutchman was sacked in May

It was a similar story with David Moyes who discovered that he was being fired through the media despite repeated assurances from the board that he had a long-term contract and retained their support.

Now Giggs, who worked under both men at the end of a glittering playing career, is leaving with little fanfare after turning down what amounted to a demotion.

There is no questioning the job Ed Woodward has done to enhance United's commercial brand around the world. He and his executive team are highly valued by the Glazer family. But it has been a steep learning curve.

United have appointed three managers in as many years, and their transfer policy has descended into a scattergun approach too often ending in failure or paying over the odds for targets.

Many fans remain unconvinced by the decision to turn to Mourinho, regardless of the success he may bring. They yearn for the old days more than ever – as one of United's favourite sons heads for the exit. 

By boney jimmy 

The £100m man: United ready to spend world-record fee to bring Pogba back

: 

Manchester United have moved a step closer to making Paul Pogba the first £100million footballer by telling his club Juventus they will pay a world-record transfer fee for the 23-year-old French superstar. Four years after losing Pogba for nothing, United are prepared to break the bank to back their new manager Jose Mourinho who will be unveiled in front of the world's media on Tuesday.

EXCLUSIVE: SIMBA IMETANGAZA KIKOSI CHA MSIMU WA 2016-17, MAVUGO, AME ALI NDANI

Simba imekamilisha usajili wa wachezaji kwa ajili ya msimu ujao (2016-17) ambao kwa asilimia kubwa imeufanya kimyakimya hususan ule wa wachezaji wa nje ya nch.

shaffihdauda.co.tz imepata majina yote ya wachezaji watakaohudumu kwenye msimu ujao kuanzia magolikipa hadi washambuliaji.

Hiki hapa ni kikosi kamili cha ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi;’

Goalkeepers:
Foreign: Vincent De Paul Angban
Peter Manyika
Denis Deonis

Right Back:
Hamadi Juma: Coastal Union
Salum Kimenya: Prisons

Left Back:
Mohamed Hussein
Abdi Banda

Centerback:
Novaty Lufunga
Foreign: Juuko Murushid
Emmanuel Simwanza: Mwadui FC
Foreign: Janvier Besala Bokungu

Midfielders:
Jonas Mkude
Awadh Juma
Foreign: Justice Majabvi

Saidi Ndemla
Mwinyi Kazimoto
Mzamiru Yassin: Mtibwa Sugar
Mohamed Ibrahim: Mtibwa Sugar
Foreign: Mussa Ndusha

Wingers:
Peter Mwalyanzi
Jamal Mnyate – Mwadui FC
Shiza Kichuya – Mtibwa Sugar
Hassan Kabunda – MwaduiFC

Strikers:
Ibrahim Hajibu
Daniel Lyanga
Haji Ugando
Mbaraka Yusuf – Kagera Sugar

Laudit Mavugo – Vital’O (Burundi)
Blagnon Goue Frederic: Africa Sports (Ivory Coast)

Ame Ali – Azam FC

sources shaffihdauda

JAMIE CARRAGHER: Klinsmann is my pick to replace Hodgson... we may have to turn to a foreign coach now

Who should be the next England manager? The three-man committee of Martin Glenn, Dan Ashworth and David Gill will answer that question in the coming weeks.

My own view is that international football should be about the best in your country against the best of someone else’s, so I had always favoured an Englishman but there can be no complaints if the FA look to a foreign coach.

With that in mind, I wouldn’t knock the idea of appointing Jurgen Klinsmann, who has been to a World Cup semi-final with Germany, a Copa America semi-final with the United States and knows our game.

Jurgen Klinsmann (right) has a good track record at international level and knows the English game well

Roy Hodgson resigned as manager of England on Monday after another woeful tournament showing

Emotional Roy Hodgson 'didn't see defeat coming' against Iceland

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KLINSMANN'S MANAGERIAL STATS 

2004-06: Germany - Win% 58.82

2006-08: Bayern Munich - Win% 56.82

2011-Present: USA - Win% 56.04

......................................................................... 

Total

Games: 169

Wins: 96

Draws: 31

Losses: 42

Win%: 56.80 

I wrote a column in January 2014, revolving around Roy Hodgson, David Moyes and Brendan Rodgers. They occupied three of the biggest jobs in football — England, Manchester United and Liverpool — and I said they needed to be a success to help the prospects of future British coaches getting top positions.

That has not been the case, so if the FA look to cast their net further, there can’t be complaints, even from Alan Shearer, who wasted no time throwing his hat into the ring after claiming Hodgson was ‘tactically inept’.

Shearer’s patriotism is admirable but there is more to being a successful manager than just patriotism and emotion. Shearer, after all, will remember how, after acting on emotion when Newcastle called him in 2009, he failed to stop the club he has supported all his life being relegated.