“No one believed in us,” Cristiano Ronaldo declared, his voice thick with emotion, tears welling in his eyes. “No one believed in Portugal.” These words, spoken eight years ago, still resonate, encapsulating the spirit of a team that defied expectations to etch their name in football history at the Euro 2016 final. While Ronaldo, now 39, sets his sights on Euro 2024, leading Portugal into the Round of 16 against Slovenia, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the unlikely journey that culminated in Portugal’s sole major international trophy – a victory secured in the Euro Cup 2016 Final.
The current Portuguese squad, brimming with talent, stands in stark contrast to the team of 2016. Today, questions linger about whether Ronaldo, despite his prolific scoring record for Al-Nassr, should even be a guaranteed starter. Even a recent defeat to Georgia in Euro 2024 group stage, with rested key players, raises few alarms. However, rewind to Euro 2016, and the narrative was drastically different. Skepticism surrounded Portugal at every turn, and their path to the final was paved with chaos, controversy, and underwhelming performances, making their ultimate victory in the Euro cup 2016 final all the more astonishing.
Why the doubt? Portugal’s Euro 2016 campaign was far from smooth sailing. Pre-tournament, Ronaldo’s frustrations boiled over when he infamously tossed a reporter’s microphone into a lake, a moment highlighting the pressure and scrutiny surrounding the team. Their group stage opener against Iceland saw Ronaldo publicly criticize Iceland’s defensive approach, labeling their mentality as “small” and dismissively predicting they “wouldn’t get anywhere.” Ironically, Iceland, the smallest nation ever to compete in a major tournament, would go on to stun England and reach the quarter-finals, while Portugal struggled to find their footing.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Top moments vs. Georgia
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal, showcasing his skills and determination during a match.
Further setbacks followed. Ronaldo missed a penalty against Austria in their second group game, compounding the pressure after another draw. Against Hungary, Portugal conceded three times, requiring Ronaldo to find his scoring boots twice to salvage a draw. Portugal limped through the group stage with three draws, finishing third. Fortuitously, the expanded 24-team format of Euro 2016 allowed third-placed teams to advance, granting Portugal a lifeline they barely deserved based on their performances.
Under the guidance of coach Fernando Santos, Portugal embarked on a remarkable, if not entirely convincing, journey through the knockout stages. Their path to the Euro cup 2016 final was undeniably easier due to their group stage struggles, landing them on the opposite side of the bracket to powerhouses like Spain, England, Germany, France, and Italy. Yet, even with a seemingly favorable route, their progress remained fraught with tension. A late extra-time goal from Ricardo Quaresma was needed to overcome Croatia in the Round of 16. Then, a quarter-final clash against Poland went to penalties after a hard-fought draw, further highlighting Portugal’s resilience rather than dominance.
A montage image celebrating Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring legacy with the Portugal national team.
The Euro cup 2016 final against France in Paris provided the ultimate drama. Just minutes into the match, a collision with Dimitri Payet forced Ronaldo off the pitch with a knee injury. His Euro cup 2016 final appeared to be over prematurely. However, despite the setback, Ronaldo remained a visible presence on the sidelines, passionately encouraging his teammates. In a moment of poetic justice, substitute Eder, a player who hadn’t scored in the entire tournament, stepped up to become the hero, netting the winning goal in extra time. Portugal, against all odds, had conquered France on their home turf to win the Euro cup 2016 final.
Eder, arms raised in jubilation, celebrates his decisive goal in extra time during the Euro 2016 final.
In the aftermath of the improbable victory in the Euro cup 2016 final, the earlier struggles and controversies faded into insignificance. “Very happy, very happy,” Ronaldo repeated to reporters, the weight of years of striving for international glory lifted from his shoulders. “It was something I tried for so many times since 2004, praying that I would get one more opportunity… The Portuguese people needed it and the players needed it.” For Ronaldo, and for Portugal, winning the Euro cup 2016 final was more than just a trophy; it was the realization of a long-cherished dream and a moment of national pride. It cemented Ronaldo’s legacy on the international stage and provided a historic chapter for Portuguese football.
Fast forward to Euro 2024, and Portugal enters the tournament as a strong contender. Despite a recent defeat to Georgia, coach Roberto Martinez believes such setbacks serve as valuable lessons, fostering mental fortitude. Referencing a prior friendly loss to Slovenia, Martinez emphasizes the importance of avoiding complacency. “This is not a friendly, it’s the knockout stage and it is very important for us,” Martinez stated, highlighting the heightened stakes. Perhaps, echoing the Euro cup 2016 final journey, Portugal will once again harness adversity as fuel, embarking on another unexpected and triumphant run.
Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s coach, addressing the media during a press conference at Euro 2024.
