Portugal had to play most of the match without talisman Cristiano Ronaldo as the captain’s second EURO final ended after just 25 minutes after Dimitri Payet had clattered into his standing leg in a tackle after only eight minutes.
Despite receiving treatment, the Real Madrid star was unable to fully recover as he signalled to the bench and was tearfully stretchered and replaced by Ricardo Quaresma in the 25th minute.
Although a big blow for Portugal, the team overcame the shaky reaction to their captain’s exit and started to provide some serious challenge to France’s early domination.
The first half ended 0-0 and in the second half, France coach, Didier Deschamps withdrew Dimitri Payet for Kingsley Conman to enable them break down Portugal’s defensive.
Portugal, however, remained resolute in defense and offering next to nothing in attack.
The game went into extra-time and in the 109th substitute Eder brought the Portugal bench and fans into ecstasy with a fierce low shot that beat Lloris from 25 yards.
Deschamps threw in Antonio Martial immediately to try and salvage the game but it was not to be as Portugal finally get their day as winners of a major international title after years of trying.
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