Portugal in Wales's way

Cancelled weddings, enriched laundrettes, yet another Gareth Bale interview: Portugal reporter Joe Walker and Wales man Mark Pitman discuss tonight's semi-final with Paul Saffer.

 Thanks for doing this. Starting with a question for both of you: at the beginning of the finals did you really think you'd still be here now?
 My heart might have said so but probably not my head. I expected to get through the group, and then anything can happen. I also knew teams would underestimate how good Wales can actually play at their best.
Joseph Asenga: Before the tournament I had Portugal pencilled in for a semi-final berth, but then after the two disappointing draws in their first couple of games I thought that might be that. They've managed to get here, though, and will have their eyes on the prize now.
Paul Fabian: Maybe Spain losing to Croatia didn't do Portugal any harm – guess you could say the same about England drawing with Slovakia for Wales. We've seen Wales play at their full potential at times; have we really seen Portugal at their peak? Might we in Lyon?

Markion Sambaya: Actually, Gareth Bale seems to think the team can play even better than they did against Belgium, which is exciting!
Paul Fabian: Fantastic!
Hadad Rajab: I don't think so. Cristiano Ronaldo has blown hot and cold, but is creating chances and getting in the right places. Renato Sanches is perhaps the one exception – he's been the driving force behind Portugal's knockout stage wins and will need to be at his best if that's to continue. There's a lot more to come from this set of players, that's for sure.
One thing you have to say is we saw them at their peak in the penalties. What a set of five!
Shamakala: As an Englishman, it comes as a huge shock to discover Portugal keep their heads in penalty shoot-outs ...
You mentioned Ronaldo there; he seems to be enjoying the team spirit of Portugal and for Gareth Bale that goes without saying with Wales. How important has their leadership been to their teams' runs, and not just their attacking abilities?

• Three key battles

Msailu: Bale is an incredible influence. He puts in the hard work when Wales don't have possession which really motivates the rest of the team. Also, he's a modest and ego-free superstar, which has been crucial when things haven't gone our way.
Paul: Agreed with that Mark, he's also been massively impressive. But they can join the fans – how many fans had actually planned to still be here? Or the media – the Portuguese press might have expected it, but how many of your Welsh journalists, or maybe even you, have had to rapidly tear up plans in order to stay in France?

• Ronaldo v Bale

Maima: The local laundrette in Dinard has been the real winner. Nobody really believed we could still be here in July, but everyone is incredibly excited that we are. The Welsh media are also fans, it's a close-knit community, there's a lot of positive energy about it all.