Portugal sensationally claimed the Euro 2016 crown after substitute Eder’s 25 yarder gave his side a 1-0 victory over hosts and heavy favourites France.
Of course, perhaps in the same way Zidane’s infamous head-but dominated the World Cup Final of 2006, Ronaldo’s knee injury seemingly took much of the attention from the match itself – however, his final minute tears possible became the moment if the tournament as a whole.
Dimitry Payet’s poorly timed tackle took the Real Madrid star out of the game just 15 minutes in. Whilst the West Ham playmaker no doubt received pats on the back for flooring the oppositions star player, France never really got a hold on the match.
Whilst Les Bleue dominated proceedings, Portugal proved difficult opposition in the final third. Saying that, with Ronaldo watching from the sidelines, they did look hopeless up front.
The injury even seemed to take the stuffing out of the French, they did however muster the matches greatest chance when Pogba drilled a beautiful long pass to the substitute Coman on the left wing. The Bayern Munich starlet came infield and curled an inswinging cross that dipped over the head of a defender and found Griezmann six yards out. Somehow, the player of the tournament missed the goal entirely.
The games final quarter showed signs of life when Rui Patricio denied Giroud superbly after the Frenchman sent a low left foot drive to try far corner. At the other end Nani had a mis hit shot that very nearly looped in over Lloris, the Spurs keeper also being agile enough to readjust for a corresponding Quaresma’s overhead.
With just seconds of normal time to be played, France came with a hairs breadth of lifting the trophy. Substitute Gignac, much criticised for his inclusion in the squad, received the ball from Evra on the six yard line before eluding Pepe and sending a low effort into the inside of the post.
It was to be a miss of epic proportions.
Extra time saw Portugal break a million French hearts. Eder, superb since making his substitute appearance, received the ball with his back to goal on the left, with Koscielny tight against him. Holding off the Arsenal centre half, the striker made his way infield and then, from 25 yards, smashed a fierce low shot that beat the diving Lloris to his right.
The 108th minute goal brought ecstasy to the Portuguese and, for the second time of the night, tears to talisman Ronaldo.
France were shell shocked come the final whistle, yet truly had themselves to blame after showing a lack of urgency all night.
At that was that, 12 years after their humiliating final loss to Greece on home turf, Portugal became Euro 2016 champions by denying the hosts.. A drab final with one of the lowest quality eventual winners, saying that, the manner in which it was achieved was undeniably fascinating.