Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of a major trophy with his native country, Portugal manifested last night as the Real Madrid star and his teammates snatched a late 1-0 winner against France to win the Euro2016 last night.
He was stretchered off in tears but an extra-time goal by Eder saw Portugal beat hosts France 1-0 in yesterday’s Euro 2016 final to win their first major tournament.
The victim of a heavy challenge by Dimitri Payet, Ronaldo went off in the first half, but returned to the touchline to see Lille striker Eder settle the game with a low 25-yard strike in the extra time at Stade de France.
Twelve years after losing 1-0 to Greece as hosts of Euro 2004, Portugal inflicted the same fate on France, who were seeking a cathartic victory eight months on from the Paris attacks that left 130 people dead.
France coach Didier Deschamps had hoped to lead his side to a fourth major tournament win, and third on home soil after Euro 1984 and the 1998 World Cup, when he was captain. But it was Ronaldo’s Portugal who prevailed.
The victory ended Portugal’s run of 10 straight defeats against France, who had eliminated them in the semi-finals at Euro 1984, Euro 2000 and the 2006 World Cup.
