Portugal have made history by defeating France 1-0 in the crucial final of the UEFA Euro 2016. A stunning 25-yard strike from Eder gave Portugal victory over France in extra time of the Euro 2016 final. The Lille striker’s first goal in a competitive international match sank home hopes of a third Euro championship crown. Portugal closed ranks after Ronaldo was forced out with a knee injury in the first half at the Stade de France. Pierre-Andre Gignac almost won the match for France with one of the last kicks of the game in normal time but his effort came off the post. The Portuguese defence had been tireless and Rui Patricio made a string of stunning saves to ensure the 90 minutes ended goalless. But the Portuguese had offered little upfront until substitute Eder struck from distance to stun the home support. Ronaldo’s damaged knee might have been a grievous setback but Portugal refused to let it be the decisive factor. They gave everything to keep out France during those long passages when they were put under pressure and, ultimately, Éder’s decisive goal in the second period of extra time won a test of endurance. Their run of 10 successive defeats to France, stretching back to 1975, is over and they can reflect on the greatest achievement in the history of their national team. Their tactics will not appeal to everyone but nobody could possibly dispute their toughness to cope after the jarring challenge that meant their three-time Ballon d’Or winner could play only a bit-part role in the glory.
Portugal steal UEFA Euro 2016, defeat France 1-0 after Éder’s extra time strike
