This is what champions are made of! Portugal, from being best losers have fought to achieve European glory after an Eder goal ensured Portugal beat host Nation, France to win Euro 2016.
Portugal started the match with same 4-4-2 formation, with C. Ronaldo and Nani upfront but it wasn’t long until Ronaldo was stretched off after sustaining a serious knee injury.
France in the first half were the better team and played more expansive football with Sissokho the main star in the first half but to Portugal’s credit and Rui Patricio’s heroics, ended the first half 0-0.
Portugal started the second half with Nani as captain and Quaresma replacing the already injured Ronaldo and grew in confidence but efforts from both sets of teams was not enough as both teams ended the second half still level 0-0.
Pulsating moments as Extra time started.
Ronaldo, showed so much exemplary leadership qualities and came to the touch line to spur and inspire his teammates to apply more pressure on the French defence.
By this time Portugal was beginning to feel that they had the game for the taking and scored through substitute Eder in the second half of extra time.
IT’S OVER! Portugal beat France 1-0 and are the champions of Europe! Such contrasting emotions from the two sides. Tears from both, but for many different reasons. Cristiano Ronaldo’s sadness has turned to joy, while many of the France players look inconsolable as they sit dejected on the turf.
Ronaldo has now entered into Football immortality.
More photos.
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