Portugal won their first ever major international trophy as a brilliant strike from Eder deep into extra time earned them victory in the final of Euro 2016 at the Stade de France.
Despite losing skipper Cristiano Ronaldo midway through the first half due to a knee injury, Portugal hung on and stayed in the game owing to some fantastic saves by Rui Patricio. They were rewarded for their persistence against a fatigued France in the 108th minute, when substitute striker Eder swung his right boot from 25 yards out to beat the outreach of Hugo Lloris’ gloves. France rallied late on, but could not break their duck.
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Here are the 5 talking points from a memorable, if not a classic game of football:
1) Cristiano Ronaldo’s withdrawal galvanises Portugal
In a major talking point, Portugal were dealt a massive blow when their icon Cristiano Ronaldo came out worst in a clash of knees with Dimitri Payet. Despite his repeated attempts to carry on, the Portuguese skipper’s injury had aggravated enough to force him to withdraw from the field.
The absence of Ronaldo, however, seemed to galvanise Portugal. They played better as a team, defended resolutely and took advantage of a tiring France to switch gears in extra-time.
Rui Patricio, in particular, was excellent in between the sticks, making a number of instinctive saves to prevent France from getting that breakthrough. Ronaldo was constantly seen dishing out instructions from the dugout, conveying his presence on the field through the players. It was a performance which suggested that the players wanted to win the cup for their captain, a footballing legend, whose long-standing dream of winning a major trophy with his country finally became reality.
2) Moussa Sissoko was France’s best player on the pitch
The hosts had dominated for most of the regulation 90 minutes, constantly peppering the Portuguese goal with their glut of talent in the attacking third. If there was one person who stood out, it was Moussa Sissoko.
The Newcastle man – who cemented his place in the starting XI thanks to N’Golo Kante’s suspension – was a driving force in midfield, haring at the opposition defence on a number of occasions.
He took full advantage of every pocket of space to run into and create problems for Portugal. He managed to carve out two great opportunities – one in either half – both of which were well saved by Rui Patricio. He was very industrious and looked the most consistent Frenchman throughout the course of the 120 minutes.
3) Rui Patricio, the Man of the Match?
In a tournament where the goalkeepers have excelled, it was pretty apt that it was the custodian of the champions who produced a phenomenal performance in between the sticks. Rui Patricio saved his best for the most important game of his career yet. He pulled off save after save, notable ones being Sissoko’s two fierce strikes and Antoine Griezmann’s floating header which he tipped over.
His decision making was also very handy when it came to defending set-pieces and crosses coming in from the fullbacks. With seven saves in total, he kept the eventual champions in the game. It was a display worthy of being awarded the Man of the Match. Joao Mario is also in with a shout thanks to a tireless performance.
4) An unlikely hero in Eder
As the game went into extra-time, it was Portugal who looked the fitter side owing to their 24 hours more preparation time as compared to their French opponents. As France became leggy in defence, Portugal started taking the initiative.
Signs became ominous that they were going to nick it following a defensive minded 90 minutes. They needed a hero who could break the deadlock and swing his boot to glory. They found the most unlikely hero in substitute Eder.
The substitute – who has struggled with Swansea and in national colours – provided the decisive blow as he took advantage of already booked Samuel Umtiti turning his back to him. He promptly swung his right boot and beat a diving Hugo Lloris to send Portuguese fans into a frenzy.
Eder has not had a glittering career by any stretch of imagination but he has engraved himself into Portuguese footballing history with that one headline moment.
5) Where did France go wrong?
Not in too many aspects. France tried absolutely everything, but were denied by a spirited Portuguese side and Patricio’s heroics in goal. Antoine Griezmann saw a header tipped over the crossbar and narrowly headed another chance off target.
Moussa Sissoko was intense but was unable to find the back of the net. Substitute Andre-Pierre Gignac came inches away from winning it for France in injury time of regulation time, seeing his shot ricochet off the post.
The full-backs Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra delivered quality balls into the penalty area, while another substitute Kingsley Coman occasionally made his quick feet do the talking. Having had a day’s less recuperation time, one could understand France wearing away in extra-time and ceding dominance to Portugal.
Their only major error was Samuel Umtiti’s inexperience to stand off Eder and turn his back to him which enabled the latter to deliver the decisive hammer-blow. In the end, their inability to convert their chances cost them the chance to lift the title in front of their home fans. It was a bitter pill for Didier Deschamps and his troops to swallow.
