Hugo Lloris described Euro 2016 as having been “strange from the beginning until the end”, as he reflected on Portugal’s extra time victory over his France team in Sunday night’s final. He was right to credit his team mates and coach Fernando Santos’s because while he may have been the man who got them to the final with his goal and assist in the semis win over Wales, it was the squad who delivered his medal.
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Two fire trucks sprayed jets of water in green and red over the plane as it taxied to the airport terminal. “I asked God for another chance at this because we deserved it”, he told reporters. Off the pitch, Pepe is probably the nicest man around.
This is the heartwarming moment a tearful French football fan was consoled by a young Portugal fan. The 31-year-old superstar then spent the rest of the game yelling directions at his teammates, helping his country bring home the championship from the sidelines.
“This is something that only happens once in a lifetime”, he added. In their last game of the group stages, they drew 3-3 against group toppers Hungary and made it to the round of 16 as one of the best ranked third placed teams.
“You have given an example by winning courtesy of your courage, determination and humility”, he added.
France’s disconsolate team also went to meet their country’s leader. His efforts in Portugal’s success, having nearly single-handedly dragged it to the final, should cement Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
“This was something I have wanted for a long time now, ever since 2004. It is a trophy for all the Portuguese, for all immigrants, all the people who believed in us, so I am very happy and very proud”.
The Portugal captain won the silver boot award following the 1-0 victory. Portugal’s sports press hailed the team with headlines including “Epic”, “Eternal” and “Pride of Portugal”. At various points he’s mimicking manager, Fernando Santos and even joining in while Santos gives instructions to other players.
Proof of “The Ewing Theory” appeared even more evident when 79th-minute substitute Eder unexpectedly hammered in the winning goal from 25 yards in extra time.
“Cristiano told me that I would score when I came on and I just took that energy into my game”, he said.
Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo was sitting down and almost in tears before leaving the field with an injury when the insect momentarily landed by his right eye.
Portugal defended doggedly and threatened occasionally without their inspirational skipper. This is one of the good memories and I think we can build up something strong for the next few years. “We are the first to win a major tournament for Portugal, but everyone in this country deserves this”. The Stade de France, the venue for Sunday’s final, had itself come under attack, during – hauntingly – a friendly match between France and Germany.
Griezmann was the first player to find the target, buthisa header was tipped over by Rui Patricio, who was formidable in the Portugal goal. “We’ve written our names down in history”. “The disappointment is there and it’s vast”, Deschamps told French television channel M6.
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A tearful Ronaldo held the trophy in the Correio da Manha newspaper, which trumpeted: “The Euro is ours, we are the champions”.
