Portugal are champions of Europe after defeating hosts
France 1-0 in extra-time in the Euro 2016 final played at the Stade de France
on Sunday night. Substitute Eder was the hero, scoring Portugal’s lone goal
in the 109th minute.
Portugal had to play most of the match without talisman
Cristiano Ronaldo as the captain’s second EURO final ended after just 25
minutes after Dimitri Payet had clattered into his standing leg in a tackle
after only eight minutes.
Despite receiving treatment, the Real Madrid star was unable
to fully recover as he signalled to the bench and was tearfully stretchered and
replaced by Ricardo Quaresma in the 25th minute.
Although a big blow for Portugal, the team overcame the
shaky reaction to their captain’s exit and started to provide some serious
challenge to France’s early domination.
The first half ended 0-0 and in the second half, France
coach, Didier Deschamps withdrew Dimitri Payet for Kingsley Conman to enable
them break down Portugal’s defensive.
Portugal, however, remained resolute in defense and offering
next to nothing in attack.
The game went into extra-time and in the 109th minute,
substitute Eder brought the Portugal bench and fans into ecstasy with a fierce
low shot that beat Lloris from 25 yards.
Deschamps threw in Antonio Martial immediately to try and
salvage the game but it was not to be as Portugal finally won their first ever
Euro championships.
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