The midfielder is not concerned by the threat
posed by the Welsh star and claims his side are
concentrating on exposing the weaknesses of
Chris Coleman's team
Portugal will focus on Wales' weaknesses rather
than putting a specific plan in place to stop
Gareth Bale in their Euro 2016 semi-final on
Wednesday, says Andre Gomes.
The final-four encounter has been billed as
Cristiano Ronaldo against Bale, with the two Real
Madrid stars - key figures for their respective
nations - set to go head to head.
However, Gomes believes every player will have
a role, with Portugal concentrating on where they
can harm Wales.
"We know that Bale is an important player, a
reference, like Cristiano is for us, but I do not
believe that we are going to have to take special
care," he said. "What matters is the team. There
will not be anything special. We will try to take
advantage of the weakness of Wales.
"Here we are all important. There are 23 players,
not 11 and three more. We have all worked well.
"Those who played did a great job, as well as
those who have supported. This has been one of
the secrets."
Portugal are yet to win a game in France in 90
minutes and required a penalty shoot-out to
overcome Poland and book their place in the final
four.
Gomes admits there has always been pressure
on the national team, but there are greater
expectations for young players like himself.
"We were always considered one of the best
national teams in the world. There have always
been great expectations," he continued.
"It is true that we are one step away but it's also
true that we still have the semi-final.
"For us newcomers, the expectation is higher. We
are going to give the maximum in our next final,
on Wednesday, and then enjoy the final of the
European Championship."
After a muscular injury kept the Valencia
midfielder out of the quarter-final against Poland,
he is confident of making a return against Wales.
"Physical problems are things we have no control
over. I have tried to improve every day and now I
am feeling better," said Gomes.
"I have already returned to training with my
team-mates. Now I will try to improve until the
next game to give my contribution, on or off the
pitch."
GOMES: PORTUGAL FOCUSED ON
WALES' WEAKNESSES RATHER THAN
BALE
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