Cristiano Ronaldo’s unfortunate substitution due to injury didn’t matter in the end as former Swansea forward Eder’s extra-time goal sealed European glory for the Portuguese.
A little bit before the half hour mark, West Ham’s Dmitri Payet caught Ronaldo in a tackle, and the Portuguese was down and seemingly out. It seemed as if that would go on to be the Frenchman’s biggest contribution to the team.
The former Manchester United man seemed to know that he wouldn’t be able to go on. His face was only filled with grief as he tried to hold back his tears.
It was a heart breaking moment to see the Real Madrid Legend being stretchered off the field in such a manner. For a few moments, rivalries in the stadium were put aside to applaud the Portuguese captain who’s tournament had ended.
The Portuguese left it till the very very end. Eder, who plies his trade with Lille in France turned out to be a substitution in the end. He was absolutely immense, and no matter how his career goes on from this point on, he will go down in history as the man who won the Portuguese their first ever European Championship.
Rui Patricio had a superb night, and he managed to make sure that the game didn’t go to penalties with this brilliant save to deny Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.
And then, Ronaldo’s tears of sadness were replaced with tears of joy as the party began in Portgual. Deserved victors in the end.
To end on a positive note for the neutrals, a young Portugal fan was seen comforting a French fan who was absolutely shattered at his side’s loss.
