Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to victory over Wales ©Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal and set up the other as Portugal booked their place in the final of the UEFA European Championships with a 2-0 victory over the tournament's surprise package Wales at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

Two goals in the space of three second half minutes proved to be the undoing of a Welsh side which has put in a number of spirited performances during the competition as Ronaldo leapt to power home a superb header just after the restart.

Before Wales had time to regroup, Portugal scored again as Ronaldo's mis-hit shot fell kindly for Nani, who turned the ball beyond the despairing Wayne Hennessey.

The goal from the Real Madrid star saw him equal the European Championships goalscoring record of nine, set by former France international Michel Platini.

The result ensures the Portuguese will get the chance to secure their first-ever major international honours, with France or Germany lying in wait in the final in Paris on Sunday (July 10). 

It also marked the first time Portugal have won a match at Euro 2016 within 90 minutes.

Nani scored the crucial second goal as Portugal ended Wales' fairytale run at Euro 2016 ©Getty Images
Nani scored the crucial second goal as Portugal ended Wales' fairytale run at Euro 2016 ©Getty Images

Wales will be disappointed they did not cause the Portuguese side more problems as they were unable to reach the heights they had set in previous matches.

The defeat ends their fairytale run at the competition - their first appearance at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup in Sweden - but they will still depart France with a sense of pride having defied the odds to reach the last four for the first time in their history.

The first-half proved to be a cagey affair, with the Welsh side perhaps shading it even though neither side had any clear-cut opportunities.

Ronaldo's Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale looked dangerous whenever he got the ball and whipped a difficult chance over the bar early on before firing straight at Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Wales, who sorely missed the suspended Aaron Ramsey, were more than in the match until Portugal broke the deadlock on the 50-minute mark.

Portugal played a corner short to Raphaël Guerreiro, who delivered a pinpoint delivery to the back post where Ronaldo produced a stunning jump before meeting the ball with a bullet header which sailed high into the net.

Three minutes later, Welsh hearts were broken as Ronaldo was fortunate to find Nani with a poorly-struck right-footed shot and his compatriot's deft touch sent Hennesey the wrong way.

Hosts France are due to take on Germany at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille tomorrow in the second semi-final.