Minutes later the maestro’s scuffed shot was turned home by Nani and millions of Portuguese fans worldwide could begin to believe that their team would be facing Germany or France in Paris on Sunday evening.
Wales were facing their first major semi-final without the suspended Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies, two crucial players in their amazing run of
success.
Portugal had their own selection issues with centre-half Pepe ruled out through injury and midfielder William Carvalho suspended – two players as important to coach Fernando Santos as Ramsey and Davies were to Chris Coleman.
After an easily forgettable first forty-five minutes the game sprung into life early in the second-half.
A Portugal corner on the left was played short to Guerreiro, who curved a sweetly struck first-time ball to the far post. Ronaldo rose like a salmon eight metres from goal, muscling Chester aside, and powered a header high into the net.
The Welsh keeper Hennessey had no chance. Ronaldo hung in the air for an age, and would have been the envy of any top NBA basketball player.
It was similar to his memorable goal for Manchester United at Roma in the Champions League in 2007-08 and was an equally immense goal.
Three minutes later and Nani made it two. The former Manchester United winger, who this week confirmed a transfer to Valencia from Fenerbahce, slipped between Collins and Ashley Williams before diverting Ronaldo’s cross past Hennessey with his right foot.
Wales never looked likely to launch a comeback and it was Portugal who threatened to add more goals with Ronaldo firing a blistering free-kick just over.
This was Portugal’s first win inside ninety minutes at the tournament and the first time Wales had failed to score. Portugal will enter the Stade de France on Sunday as underdogs, but who would bet against them when they have the world’s best player leading the team.