Portugal 2 Wales 0: Cristiano Ronaldo header and Nani finish end the Welsh dreams of a Euro 2016 final in Lyon

Ronnie’s goal was a throwback to the header he scored for Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-final against Roma in 2008.

He hung in the air, seemingly forever, before tensing his neck muscles and planting a bullet header beyond Wayne Hennessey in the 50th minute.

Wales defender James Chester was there for company but he was not really there. He was decoration, nothing more.

Off Ronnie went, heading to the corner flag and waiting for his team-mates to leave him at one with the world before puffing out his cheeks.

Yes, you’re The Boss, The Main Man. Whatever you want, it’s yours.

He wanted more, blowing away Wales and their dream of reaching the final just three minutes later.

Nani scored it, diverting the Portugal captain’s long-range effort beyond Hennessey with an outstretched boot.

More preening, more strutting. Another goal, another assist.

It is three apiece for Ronaldo and Bale in the tournament. But there is only one winner.

The grimace, the glare, the gnashing of teeth told a story.

Ronaldo wanted one more, just one more, to overhaul Bale, just to rub it in.

He can save it for the final, Portugal’s first since they were beaten by Greece in 2004. This, though, is still a remarkable story for Wales.

One of pride and passion and dignity for this unfancied side.

Hail Bale, hail Wales. Chris Coleman’s boys gave this a right good go and for that they must be saluted.

They have been compelling, dishing out lessons to some of the snooty countries who looked down their nose at Wales before the opening game.

Yes, England, that includes you. Wales have been magnificent, with their spellbinding 3-1 win over Belgium in the quarter- final the stand-out game so far.

Here, they came up a fraction short. No shame or embarrassment in that, just sheer pride.

They missed the presence of Aaron Ramsey, perhaps the player of the tournament after his inspiring work in the boiler room. Without him, this one was just a bit too hot to handle.

Joe Allen was booked early, nailing Raphael Guerreiro with his first touch then cautioned for hacking Nani with his second.

Renato Sanches, 18, played beyond his years, Nani hustled, and Ronaldo simply waited for his chance. The world’s one and only knew it would be coming.

His exchange with Bale before the start was cordial, clasping the Welshman’s outstretched hand.

With the niceties over, Ronaldo was into the game first, with his clever touch into Joao Mario setting up an early chance.

Then there was a penalty appeal, with Ronaldo screaming at Swedish ref Jonas Eriksson when James Collins throttled him. The Wales defender got lucky.

Ron was beginning to find his range, directing a header over the bar at the far post towards the end of the first half.

Ronaldo, so strong, so reliable in the air, so damn good, should have hit the target. But he was to get there soon enough.

Bale arrived in the game after 20 minutes, taking responsibility with three powerful runs towards Portugal’s penalty area. When he got on the ball a third time, he ran and ran and ran.

It all opened up in front of him, before he eventually chose to drill a long-range effort that fell into the arms of Rui Patricio.

On we went, waiting for one of these two giants to turn matchwinner.

Heads Ronaldo, tails Ronaldo. Bale scored in each of the three group games but the goals dried up in the victories over Northern Ireland and Belgium.

Ronnie is just getting going, with two lifesavers against Hungary and the first penalty in the shootout against Poland in the quarter-final.

Once he had scored with that magisterial header here after 50 minutes, Wales needed Bale’s magic more than ever.

Instead, it was Ronaldo with all the tricks, flicking out a boot to create space to set up the chance for Nani to score the clinching second.

At the final whistle, he made for Bale, consoling his club mate before heading towards Portugal’s supporters and puffing out his chest.

Yes, Ronnie, you’re The Boss.