By Brian Homewood
LYON, France (Reuters) – Portugal head into Sunday's Euro 2016 final after another disciplined performance, proving again in their 2-0 win over Wales that they perform like a well-rehearsed orchestra rather than a solo act.
That has a huge amount to do with their 61-year-old conductor & coach Fernando Santos who took charge in September 2014, vowing to put "tactics first & technical ability second".
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Portugal's Pepe, foreground, holds back Poland's Robert Lewandowski during the Euro 2016 qua …
MARCOUSSIS, France (AP) — Portugal center back Pepe is an injury concern for the European Championship quarterfinal against Wales on Wednesday.
Portugal press officer Onofre Costa ended a news conference by saying Pepe has a thigh muscle problem & would not be training on Monday.
The Real Madrid defender is arguably the second most significant player for Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo, & has been one of the team's best players at Euro 2016.
MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Portugal likes to leave it late at this European Championship, whether Cristiano Ronaldo is having a satisfactory game or not.
The Portuguese have been level after 90 minutes in every game this tournament, a run that continued Thursday as Ronaldo & his teammates drew 1-1 with Poland after extra time, before advancing to the semifinals with a 5-3 victory on penalties.
With Ronaldo once again far from his best, two of the Real Madrid star's supporting cast stepped up.
* Portugal forward hits treble in 4-0 Group A win
* Ronaldo takes Champions League goals tally to 80 (Adds quotes, details, byline)
By Iain Rogers
LISBON, Sept 13 (Reuters) – Sporting pulled level with Porto at the top of the Portuguese league, beating Rio Ave 2-1 on Sunday despite confusion over their penalty taker.
Sporting were awarded a penalty for handball by Alhassan Wakaso in the 10th minute & Colombia forward Teo Gutierrez initially picked up the ball to take the kick.
However, coach Jorge Jesus ordered Adrien to take it instead & the Sporting captain converted.
Paris (AFP) – If it's genuine suspense & drama you are looking for in the Champions League, it may be better to wait until the knockout stages in the spring.
European competition in the autumn is often a procession for the continent's biggest clubs & the concentration of wealth has ensured that, in the last 20 years, the trophy has been won by teams from the huge four of Spain, Germany, England & Italy on all bar one occasion — when Jose Mourinho's Porto triumphed in 2004.
Even reaching the quarter-finals is practically beyond sides from outwith that huge four, & the best teams from Portugal & France.
Sept 7 (Reuters) – A stoppage time header by defender Miguel Veloso gave Portugal a 1-0 win in Albania & allowed them to extend their lead on top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group I on Monday.
The Portuguese have 15 points from six games, ahead of Denmark who have 12 from seven after a 0-0 draw in Armenia.
Third-placed Albania have 11 points from six games & despite the setback are assured of at least a play-off berth.
BERLIN (AP) — Germany & Portugal closed in on European Championship qualification on Monday, while Northern Ireland missed the chance to book its place at next year's tournament in France.
Thomas Mueller scored twice & set up the other for Germany to defeat Scotland 3-2 in Glasgow & move within touching distance of automatic qualification.
The world champions are assured of at least a playoff place yet one point from their remaining two games – Ireland away or Georgia at home – will secure their place in France.
ELBASAN, Albania (AP) — Portugal closed in on a spot at the European Championship after midfielder Miguel Veloso scored in injury time to snatch a 1-0 win at Albania in qualifying on Monday.
Both teams had hit the woodwork before Veloso headed in substitute Ricardo Quaresma's pass for the late winner.
''I thought the ball was for me & fortunately it made it,'' Veloso said.
Sept 7 (Infostrada Sports) – Results & standings from the European Ch. Qual. Group I matches on Monday
Monday, September 7
Armenia 0 Denmark 0
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