WALES’ incredible Euro 2016 journey was finally ended in Lyon as Cristiano Ronaldo settled this semi-final in Portugal’s favour in the space of three second-half minutes.

The Real Madrid man got the better of his club-mate Gareth Bale, breaking the deadlock with a powerful header and then setting up Nani for the crucial second.

It was a tough way for the dream to end for Chris Coleman’s men but, in truth, they weren’t at their best in the biggest match in Welsh football history.

They will not get their fairytale ending at Sunday’s final in Paris but they will return home to a heroes’ welcome.

Wales’ remarkable run to the semi-finals has been the story of the tournament with the team and their fans making friends, making memories and creating history wherever they have travelled.

From Bale’s free-kick and Hal Robson-Kanu’s winner in Bordeaux, the demolition of Russia in Toulouse, that own goal to see off Northern Ireland in Paris and the unforgettable victory over Belgium in Lille – it’s been a fantastic ride.

Forced into making two changes due to the suspensions for Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey, Coleman opted to go with experience.

Newport’s James Collins got the nod at the back ahead of Jazz Richards and Leicester City midfielder Andy King replaced Ramsey.

Portugal were also without William Carvalho through suspension and Pepe due to injury.

Collins got away with a few early fouls on Ronaldo but soon got into his stride and dealt well with the Real Madrid star in a tight and tense first 45 minutes.

Portugal enjoyed more of the pressure and had the better chances with Ronaldo heading the best of them over the top in the final minute of the half under good pressure from James Chester at the far post.

The only shot on target in the opening 45 minutes came from Bale, however, but his low drive midway through the half was easily held by Rui Patricio.

Bale produced a few moments of magic, outsprinting Ronaldo on the right of the box and almost finding King at the near post and latching on to a clever Joe Ledley corner to fire just off target on the turn.

Robson-Kanu too looked up for the battle, showing good strength and footwork as the lone front man.

He did well to make space on the right and crossed for King, whose header was deflected behind by Jose Fonte.

King was certainly a goal threat with his late runs into the box but all too often promising Welsh attacks broke down in the final third – and the absence of Ramsey’s invention and creativity was painfully clear.

And at the start of the second half Ronaldo stepped up to the plate to decide the match, as he has on so many other occasions throughout his career.

He hasn’t been at his best in France but when it mattered most he was too good for the Welsh defence.

On 50 minutes he climbed above Chester to send a bullet header past Hennessy from 12 yards out.

And three minutes later his shot from the edge of the area was diverted past Hennessey from close range by the studs of Nani to leave Wales needing a miracle.

Coleman chanced his arm, sending on Sam Vokes, Simon Church and Jonny Williams but it was Portugal who looked more likely to score again.

Ronaldo blasted a free-kick onto the roof of Hennessey’s net and then the Wales goalkeeper could only parry a Nani shot into the path of Joao Mario, who somehow smashed the rebound wide.

Bale sent a half-volley down Patricio’s throat and let fly from distance and at the other end Hennessey almost let a Danilo effort squirm over the line before Ronaldo buried a shot in the side netting.

The Wales fans – the Red Wall – tried to lift their side, breaking into the national anthem as time ticked away.

But their side just couldn’t find a way back into the game and the dream of improbable Euro 2016 glory remains tantalisingly out of reach.

It was a lot of fun while it lasted, though. They did the nation proud.

Wales: Hennessey, Taylor, Collins (J. Williams, 66), A. Williams, Chester, Gunter, Ledley (Vokes, 58), King, Allen, Bale, Robson-Kanu (Church, 64)

Booked: Allen, Chester, Bale

Referee: Jonas Eriksson

Argus star man: Ashley Williams

South Wales Argus: