An Eder goal in the second half of extra time secured Portugal their first ever international title in a final that slowly grew into a compelling spectacle.
Portugal 1 France 0 (aet)
Euro 2016 got the final the tournament deserved – a tight, tactical battle high on skill and commitment, low on thrills and decided by a late goal.
Portugal spent their time in France finding a way to progress: scoring three against Hungary to scrape through as a third-place group qualifier; nullifying the threat of Croatia and then stealing the win deep in extra time and, finally, beating the hosts despite losing the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo to a first-half injury.
France had the chances, out-shooting their opponents 18-10 and forcing goalkeeper Rui Patricio into seven saves. At the other end, Hugo Lloris wasn’t even troubled until a mishit Nani cross and then an acrobatic volley on the follow-up from Ricardo Quaresma in the 80th minute.
The Spurs keeper could do nothing about Eder’s winner, a fine shot from the edge of the area which was his first ever goal for his country. Joao Moutinho provided the assist.
It was harsh on France, but only to a degree.
Portugal grew into the match, coping first with the loss of Ronaldo, then riding their luck when Golden Boot winner Antoine Griezmann missed a golden chance and substitute Andre-Pierre Gignac hit the post, before subduing their hosts as the final went into its second hour.
France dominated every key attacking stat bar the most important one of all. Moussa Sissoko capped a superb personal display by firing in the most attempts (five), Kingsley Coman topped the chances created table with four (after coming on for Dmitri Payet, who created three), and Griezmann delivered 10 crosses.
Portugal have spent the tournament bending but never breaking, though, and that resolve was there for all to see in the final – the top four clearances, blocks and interception figures (CBI) all came from the new champions, with 17 from the outstanding Pepe and 13 from Raphael Guerreiro. The latter also won three tackles and recorded two shots and two crosses for an excellent DraftKings showing.
The result did not favour the majority of Fantasy managers in the Uefa game managers, given that French players were heavily backed by most last night.
The new European champions were, ultimately, made in the image of the 2016 tournament as a whole, with organisation and doggedness trumping individuality and attacking flair.
