Euro 2016: Gareth Bale says 'It's not Bale vs Ronaldo'
The first semi-final of the Euro 2016 will see Wales take on Portugal for a place in the final. The game touted by many as a clash two of the best players in the world Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, but as often seen in football, it rarely ends up to being one. In a press conference on Monday, Gareth Bale reiterated that "It's not about two players. We know and everybody knows that it's about two nations in the semi-final - 11 men against 11."
Also Read: Best XI from the quarter-finals
"[Ronaldo] is a fantastic player, everyone knows what he can do. But we don't worry about the opposition. We just do what we do. It's about how we perform as a team, and as a team we can shut out a lot of threats."
Also Read: An open letter from Simone Zaza
That is indeed true for the present Welsh side, they have taken on the opposition who have had great individual players (debatable in England's case), and their collective team spirit and application has been able to get the better of individuals against the likes of Belgium.
"The star in our team is all of us. We are all together, we all work as one, running for each other, tackling for each other. We get on like brothers and we're having fun, enjoying the occasion, with no fear. It's working so far."
Ronaldo has been on the edge for most of the tournament, sometimes deciding to throw a microphone into the lake rather than answer an interviewer. Asked about the incident and the difference in personality between him and his Real Madrid team-mate, Bale afforded himself a chuckle and added, "I can't comment on how he's feeling or what he's doing. I'm sure he had his reasons for doing what he did."
"I feel comfortable and we're enjoying ourselves. Sometimes you have to fulfil your responsibilities and doing interviews is a part of it."
Complementing his parter-in-crime in Spain and his ability on the pitch he said, "We get on very well at Madrid and enjoy playing with each other. What he does off the pitch is his private life. It's not for me to decide who's the better player. If I can help Wales win that's all I need."
Wales will be missing two of the more important players in the squad in Ben Davies and Ramsey. This is bound to be a huge blow for the Welsh squad, who have been brilliant at the back with the Chester-Williams-Davies combination.
Aaron Ramsey who was the star of the show against Belgium putting in a shift when needed and being extremely clinical in attack, creating chances at will. He along with Giroud have been involved in the maximum amount of goals in the competition.
When asked to comment on the suspension of both the former Tottenham man acknowledging the loss said "It's horrible, the rules are difficult to take sometimes. They'll be hurt deep down, but they're not showing it. It's extra motivation to get to final."