It wasn’t pretty, but Portugal have defeated France in the Euro 2016 final. The hosts were more threatening throughout, but Eder struck in the 109th minute of extra time to defeat France 1-0 at the Stade de France.
Portugal were the first team to advance to the knockout rounds of a major international tournament without winning a game, but they’re the final team standing after a month of engrossing football in France.
All of the pregame focus was centered around Cristiano Ronaldo, who’d tied Michel Platini’s all time Euro finals goal scoring record against Wales, but Portugal’s star player was substituted only 25 minutes in after an agricultural challenge from French attacker Dimitri Payet.
The 90 minutes of regular time turned into a battle of attrition, which suited Portugal perfectly. Antoine Griezmann was brilliantly denied by Portugal’s Rui Patricio on a header, but France could certainly be disappointed about the lack of threat from Payet, Olivier Giroud and Paul Pogba.
Portugal’s defensive spine was disciplined and calm throughout — never looking like they would make a mistake or gift France a go-ahead goal.
Renato Sanches was quiet, Ricardo Quaresma struggled to influence the proceedings and Nani was unable to generate any lasting threat. However, the Portuguese defense continued to enhance their budding reputation as one of the world's best.
The match looked destined for penalties until Eder, who entered the match in the 79th minute for Sanches, unleashed an unstoppable shot in the 109th minute of extra time. It was a phenomenal goal of strengh and class, Eder shrugging off the attention of French defenders before beating Hugo Lloris, who'd been perfect throughout, with shear power.
It was a goal fit to win any final, but Portugal’s style of play certainly wasn’t anywhere near the glorious champions of the 2014 World Cup, Germany, or Euro 2012, Spain.
No matter, history only remembers the victor. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are the champions of Europe.
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