Some will have you believe that Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale can’t stand the sight of one another.
If that is the case, there were no signs of animosity in the seconds that immediately followed the full-time whistle in Lyon on Wednesday night.
Portugal were the victors in the end, triumphing 2-0 against a brave Welsh side and booking their place in Sunday’s Euro 2016 final in Paris.
Before the players left the field, a dejected Bale was seen speaking to his Real Madrid teammate – who has scored what proved to be the decisive goal earlier in the evening.
A shake of the hands and an embrace and the pair went their separate ways. No signs of bad blood here.
Ronaldo embraces Bale after commiserating with his Real team-mate. Nice touch. #PORWAL https://t.co/7fP6jC6NDo
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2016
Although he couldn’t hide his disappointment, Bale later told ITV Sport that he was proud of his nation’s achievements at the tournament.
Gareth Bale disappointed but still "very proud" of #WAL achievements in France #PORWAL #EURO2016 https://t.co/1CagGuoyd1
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 6, 2016
As for Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of his Portuguese teammates, they’ve finally bagged themselves their first win of the tournament in normal time. They will no await the winners of Thursday night’s other semi-final between hosts France and world champions Germany.
Portugal won’t be favourites no matter what the outcome, but with Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, you can’t write them off.
