Aaron Ramsey missed Portugal defeat after picking up two yellow cards

The loss of Aaron Ramsey had a negative effect on the Wales team against Portugal, according to Sky Sports football pundit Alan Smith.

The Arsenal midfielder was suspended for Wales' 2-0 semi-final defeat to Portugal after picking up a second yellow card of the tournament against Belgium last Friday.

And Chris Coleman's side badly missed his influence in the middle of the park as goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani secured Portugal a final showdown against hosts France or Germany.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ former England and Arsenal striker Smith said; "I think in the end Portugal just had that little bit more strength in depth with the substitutes, and probably a bit more know-how, that got them over the line.

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"I think a key point is that Chris Coleman always knew that he had to have his three big players, Gareth Bale, Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey in that team.

"Obviously he didn't have Ramsey last night and that hurt him a little bit with what he can bring to the team. Wales aren't strong enough to cope without it.

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Smith was also full of praise for Bale, insisting he lived up to his reputation as one of the world's greatest players.

"He's been a star out here," he added. "The way he has conducted himself, the way he has spoken in the press conferences, and more importantly the stuff he has done behind the scenes that we haven't seen, in the dressing room and on the training pitch.

"He's brought those players along with him and they've fought every inch for their manager. He'll be proud of his achievements and those of his players."