LYON, France -- Three quick thoughts from Portugal's 2-0 win over Wales in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals.
1. Portugal and Ronaldo prevail
It was billed as a battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale and, while Bale faded from the contest, Lyon brought a glimpse of the qualities that have made Ronaldo the best European player of this football era. Portugal are in the final for the first time since 2004, when a teenage Ronaldo sobbed after Greece's victory.
Twelve years on, he was ruthless, first in powering home a bullet header, and then in supplying the assist for Nani's goal, deflected in from close range.