The Euro 2016 final, held at the Stade de France, was poised to be a coronation for the host nation, France. However, football has a penchant for defying expectations, and on that unforgettable Sunday night, Portugal, against all odds, etched their name into European Championship history. This is the story of how Portugal overcame the early loss of their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and a dominant French side to clinch their first major international trophy, a victory secured by a moment of brilliance from an unlikely hero, Eder.
The Early Game Shocks and Ronaldo’s Heartbreak
The match began with a palpable tension in the air, the weight of a nation’s hopes resting on the shoulders of the French team. Yet, it was Portugal who initially threatened. Nani, seizing upon a long ball, had an early opportunity within the first five minutes, but his shot sailed over the crossbar. France responded, with Moussa Sissoko and Antoine Griezmann attempting to find their range, albeit unsuccessfully in the opening exchanges.
However, the atmosphere inside the Stade de France shifted dramatically in the ninth minute. A robust challenge between Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitri Payet left the Portuguese captain in visible pain. The collision, seemingly a clash of knees, forced Ronaldo to seek immediate treatment. Despite initial efforts to continue, the discomfort was evident, and after a brief return to the pitch, Ronaldo’s night took a heartbreaking turn.
In the 17th minute, the pain became unbearable. Ronaldo, in tears, collapsed onto the turf, signaling the end of his final. The stadium, initially stunned, watched as their captain, their inspiration, was stretchered off the field in the 25th minute, replaced by Ricardo Quaresma. The French crowd, in a show of respect, rose to applaud Ronaldo as he departed, acknowledging the unfortunate end to his crucial role in the Portugal Euro 2016 Final.
France’s Dominance and Portugal’s Resilience
Ronaldo’s exit seemed to initially unsettle both teams. France, perhaps anticipating an easier path to victory, momentarily lost their attacking fluidity. Sissoko, however, soon regained momentum, testing Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio with a powerful shot that was confidently handled. Portugal, regrouping after the shock, showed flashes of intent, with Raphael Guerreiro’s deflected shot and Jose Fonte’s header from a corner posing minor threats before halftime.
The second half saw France firmly take control. Paul Pogba fired an early shot over the bar, and Antoine Griezmann, the tournament’s leading scorer, was thwarted by a recovering Cedric Soares and the ever-reliable Rui Patricio. France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, introduced Kingsley Coman to inject fresh energy into the attack, replacing Dimitri Payet just before the hour mark.
Coman’s introduction proved impactful. In the 66th minute, he delivered a perfect cross to Griezmann, who found himself unmarked just yards from goal. Yet, in a moment that would haunt French fans, Griezmann’s header agonizingly sailed over the bar. France continued to press, with Coman again instrumental in setting up Olivier Giroud, whose shot was expertly saved by Patricio. As the clock ticked down, and extra time loomed, France substituted Giroud for Andre-Pierre Gignac, while Portugal brought on Eder for Renato Sanches in a tactical switch that would prove decisive.
Portugal, against the run of play, then had their best spell of the match. Nani’s cross forced a brilliant save from Hugo Lloris, and Quaresma’s subsequent overhead kick was comfortably collected by the French keeper. Sissoko, continuing to be a driving force for France, unleashed another powerful shot, only to be denied once more by the outstanding Patricio. In the dying moments of normal time, Gignac almost snatched a dramatic winner, turning Pepe inside out before striking the post from close range, a miss that would be rued.
Eder’s Moment of Magic and Portugal’s Historic Victory
Extra time began with France still on the ascendancy, but Portugal, demonstrating incredible resilience and defensive fortitude throughout the match, remained unbroken. Pepe headed wide from a free kick early in extra time (though it was ruled offside), and Portugal’s best chance of the first period came from an Eder header from a Quaresma corner, straight at Lloris.
The game turned decisively in the second period of extra time. Raphael Guerreiro rattled the crossbar with a stunning free kick in the 107th minute, a warning sign for France. Just two minutes later, the deadlock was finally broken, and it was Portugal who delivered the decisive blow. Eder, receiving the ball from Joao Moutinho outside the French penalty area, displayed remarkable composure. He cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a powerful, low drive that nestled perfectly into the bottom left corner of the net, beyond the reach of a fully stretched Lloris.
The Stade de France was stunned into near silence. Eder’s goal, a bolt from the blue, ignited the Portuguese bench and sent their fans into raptures. France, despite their best efforts, could not muster a response. Portugal, inspired by their captain’s spirit from the sidelines and fueled by their unwavering determination, held on to secure a historic 1-0 victory.
The final whistle blew, confirming Portugal as European Champions. In a final filled with drama, heartbreak, and unexpected twists, Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph was a testament to their resilience, tactical discipline, and the enduring spirit of a team that refused to be defeated, even after losing their iconic leader. The Portugal Euro 2016 final will forever be remembered as a night of unlikely heroes and a historic first for Portuguese football.
