Euro 2016 Final, Portugal vs. France 1-0: Full highlights, final score and more

Here’s how the Euro 2016 Final in Stade de France played out.

Portugal overcame the most significant odds to win Euro 2016 in enemy territory. Even though France had won their last 10 contests against Portugal, and even though Cristiano Ronaldo left the game, they believed in themselves, and rode their defense all the way to a win. When we look back, Portugal’s four clean sheets will be regarded as one of the best defensive performances in a Euros tournament.

Portugal didn’t win over many neutral supporters by their defensive style of play, and their easy route to the Finals. The fact that their 2-0 win over Wales was the first time in the tournament that they had won inside of 90 minutes led people to call them the worst finalists in the history of the Euros.

But they still had one of the two best players in the world in Cristiano Ronaldo, and when he left the game, neutral support started to shift towards the Portuguese side. You never want to see a Final marred by an injury to a player that significant, especially since he’s probably been dreaming of this occasion for a long time. For Portugal, who have never won a tournament in their history, seeing them rally behind Ronaldo and win would’ve been fantastic to watch.

Predictably, France would dominate the second half by getting most of the chances, but they couldn’t break down Portugal’s stout defense and Rui Patricio. But they were determined to press on and win in extra time, so that Gignac’s post, among other chances, wouldn’t come back to haunt them.

This Final was the first one to go to extra time with both teams scoreless, but for Portugal, you’d have to think that was their goal. Their best chance to win would come by trying to get the game to a penalty shootout, where anything can happen.

But when it got to extra time, it was Portugal who had the best chances. All their scoring chances came off of set pieces, with one goal being called back for offside, while a miraculous Hugo Lloris save kept Portugal from breaking through on a corner. Raphael Guerreiro also had a spectacular chance from the free kick that rung off the crossbar.

But after Eder missed on an earlier chance from the corner kick, he made up for it with a spectacular goal from outside the box. And in the most spectacular fashion, Portugal rallied behind the absence of Ronaldo to win Euro 2016.

Three stars

Rui Patricio – One of the most underrated goalkeepers in the world proved his worth in this tournament. He’s been criticized so often in the past, but he played the game of his life, and kept his team in the game when they should’ve lost in regulation.

Eder – Scored the most important goal in Portugal’s history, and it was a spectacular shot from distance. Who needs Cristiano Ronaldo?

Raphael Guerreiro – All of Portugal’s defense was spectacular, but Guerreiro did an excellent job of holding down the left flank. He had a great chance to break the deadlock with a free kick in extra time, but it rattled off the crossbar.

Highlights

Here’s a look at Dimitri Payet’s tackle on Ronaldo. The intent is certainly questionable, as he practically rushed towards Ronaldo, and didn’t appear to challenge for the ball at all.

Ronaldo came back into the game, as he refused to let the injury affect him. But a stretcher came out, and Fernando Santos refused to take any chances, subbing him off for Ricardo Quaresma. The tears flowed for Ronaldo, and Portugal’s fans:

France had an array of chances in the second half, but while Portugal were excellent defensively, France were literally this close to getting a famous victory, but after a great move, Andre-Pierre Gignac’s shot rattled off the post:

Portugal’s best chance of the game came in extra time off an Eder header. If not for a spectacular save by Lloris, perhaps Portugal would’ve won the game earlier:

But this goal more than made up for it. What a spectacular kick from distance by Eder:

Three takeaways

1. Even after Cristiano Ronaldo left for Portugal, they played with a lot of heart. They refused to let their star player’s injury get them down, and their solid defense kept them in the game. Portugal haven’t won over many fans throughout the tournament, but they did in this Final.
2. At the same time, France really should’ve capitalized on their opportunities better and played with more pressure. While they have a very deep roster, their attack has been heavily reliant on Antoine Griezmann throughout this tournament.
3. He’s been criticized in the past, and rightly so, but Rui Patricio was an unsung hero for Portugal in this tournament. He did everything he could to give his team a chance to win the game.

Final thought

On the whole, Euro 2016 was a step down from 2012 and 2008, with low-scoring games coming to characterize the tournament. But while many criticized Portugal throughout the build-up to this Final, they hung with France all throughout the game, even without Ronaldo.

Portugal proved, ultimately, that they belonged in the Final, and their fantastic team spirit throughout the tournament was what won them the game, even without their star player. Their results were inconsistent, but their defense was constant, and because of that, another Real Madrid star in Pepe could very well be considered the best player of the tournament.

If they can win Euro 2016 without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2018 World Cup.

Visit our Euros page for more news and fallout from Euro 2016.