Eight years have passed since Cristiano Ronaldo, with tears welling in his eyes, uttered the now-iconic words, “No one believed in us. No one believed in Portugal.” He was right. Heading into the 2016 Euro Cup Final, few outside of Portugal’s fervent supporters gave them a chance against the host nation, France. Yet, against all odds, Portugal etched their name into football history, securing their first and, to date, only major international trophy – a moment forever intertwined with the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo.
As the current generation of Portuguese stars, led once again by the enduring Ronaldo, prepares for their Euro 2024 campaign, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the improbable journey that culminated in the 2016 Euro Cup Final. It was a campaign defined not by dominant performances, but by resilience, sheer will, and a healthy dose of luck, transforming a series of near-misses and underwhelming displays into a historic victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Top moments vs. Georgia
The skepticism surrounding Portugal’s chances in the 2016 Euro Cup Final was understandable. Their path to the final in Paris was anything but smooth. The tournament began with frustration and controversy. Ronaldo’s infamous microphone-throwing incident and his dismissive comments about Iceland after their defensive display in the opening group game set an uneasy tone. Iceland, a nation of just 330,000 people, making their major tournament debut, were labeled as having a “small mentality” by the Portuguese captain. Ironically, it was Iceland who would later shock England and reach the quarter-finals, proving size is no measure of spirit.
Portugal’s group stage form was far from convincing. Draws against Iceland and Austria, the latter featuring a missed Ronaldo penalty, were followed by a rollercoaster 3-3 draw with Hungary. Three times Portugal fell behind, and three times they clawed their way back, with Ronaldo finally finding his scoring boots to secure two crucial equalizers. This was the first 24-team Euros, a format that allowed third-placed teams to advance, and Portugal narrowly squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Under the guidance of coach Fernando Santos, Portugal navigated a knockout stage filled with tension and drama. Their third-place group finish placed them on the less daunting side of the bracket, avoiding powerhouses like Spain, England, Germany, France, and Italy until a potential final. However, their journey was still fraught with nail-biting moments. Against Croatia in the round of 16, a tense and cagey affair was decided by a Ricardo Quaresma goal in the 117th minute of extra time. The quarter-final against Poland went to penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Portugal holding their nerve to prevail in the shootout. The semi-final against Wales was their only regulation-time victory of the entire tournament, a 2-0 win that finally offered a glimpse of composed dominance.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo limiting Portugal
Then came the 2016 Euro Cup Final against France at the Stade de France. The hopes of a nation rested on this game, but disaster struck early for Portugal. Just nine minutes into the match, a collision with Dimitri Payet forced Ronaldo off the field with a knee injury. His dream of leading his country to glory on the pitch seemed to be shattered. Yet, in a testament to his leadership and unwavering belief, Ronaldo transformed into a vocal presence on the sidelines, encouraging his teammates, a picture of passion and anxiety.
The final remained goalless, a tense and tactical battle, heading into extra time. Then, in the 109th minute, substitute Eder, a player who had endured criticism and was far from a household name, wrote his name into Portuguese football folklore. His powerful, low strike from outside the box stunned the French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and sent shockwaves through the stadium. Portugal held on, defending with grit and determination, to secure a 1-0 victory and lift the 2016 Euro Cup Final trophy.
The celebrations that followed were euphoric. Ronaldo, despite his early exit from the final, was at the heart of it all, his dream realized, his tears now those of unadulterated joy. “Very happy, very happy,” he managed to say amidst the emotion. “It was something I tried for so many times since 2004… The Portuguese people needed it and the players needed it… It is one of the happiest moments of my career.”
The 2016 Euro Cup Final victory was more than just a trophy for Portugal; it was a symbol of perseverance, teamwork, and defying expectations. It cemented Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy in his nation’s history, providing him with the major international title that had eluded him for so long. And it serves as a powerful reminder that in football, as in life, belief and determination can overcome even the most daunting odds. As Portugal looks towards Euro 2024, the spirit of 2016, the memory of that improbable triumph in the 2016 Euro Cup Final, will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration.
