The 2016 of the European Championship is turning out quite a few unexpected results, and could be validating the decision to expand the number of participants to 24. 

Thanks to the decision, we will be able to take advantage of more opportunities to watch the play of Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, but more importantly we have been able to watch his Real Madrid teammate's team mount an impressive run. Gareth Bale and Wales have been a surprise protagonist in this tournament, which is only their second major international tournament in their history. 

Reaching the quarterfinals of a tournament for only the second time in their history, Wales held off a rabid Belgium side, one that on paper, was lightyears ahead of them. From the beginning, it seemed that the paper was true, as the Belgians came out firing on all cylinders. They raced out to a quick 1-0 lead, and it looked like they would surely get another two or three, or maybe even four.

However Wales was able to tie it up before half time, and went ahead in the 55th minute via Hal Robinson-Kanu putting on a fantastic move with Belgian defenders all around him in the box before hammering it through. Wales stunned Belgium and the world, 3-1 to set up a date with Portugal on Wednesday. Portugal have been here before, as this is the third semi final they have made out of the last four Euro tournaments. Plus they made the semifinals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Despite the star power of Cristiano Ronaldo however, the Portuguese could be considered underdogs as well. They are yet to win a match in regulation, and did not win any in the group stage

Iceland of course is the other darling of the tournament. They are undefeated, and have slayed the dragon (or three lions) that is England. 

Now they are faced with what is likely their toughest test yet, a match with host team, France. 

Not only will they be at a huge disadvantage when it comes to the crowd, this is the most talented team they have faced by far. What's more, they are unlike recent French teams in that they have figured out how to play together, however they have not yet looked as good as the names on their backs would suggest. Therefore, they could fall victim to another overacheivement by Iceland, which would set up a true David and Goliath semifinal against World Champions Germany.

http://soccer.seattlesportsinsider.com/blogs/soccer/round-of-16-at-euros...