Euro 2016: Portugal advance to semifinals in penalty shootout

Portugal overcame a 1-0 deficit against Poland and will face either Wales or Belgium in the Semifinals of the UEFA Euro 2016. The match was quite poor, with both teams being unable of creating big scoring opportunities because of their good defensive position and physical presence in the midfield.

Lewandowski gave Poland an early lead when he scored in the second minute, but new Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches managed to equalise the game from distance after his shot was deflected. Both teams did not risk throughout the second half and their attackers never had the chance to shine at all.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a very good opportunity off a brilliant pass by Joao Moutinho, but he didn't even hit the ball. Luckily enough for the Portuguese star, he ended his somewhat mediocre performance by scoring Portugal's first penalty in the shootout. Jakub Błaszczykowski missed Poland's fourth shot and Quaresma put the nail in the coffin, securing a ticket to the Semifinals.

Portugal have a very good chance of achieving some serious success this tournament, given that they should be able to beat both Wales or Belgium. If they do so, they will be just 90 minutes away from European glory, although they might be the underdogs against the stronger side of the bracket featuring Italy, Germany and France.