The Real Madrid forward was forced out of the game early in the first-half after being unable to recover from a knee injury suffered during a collision with Dimitri Payet.
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Hosts France dominated the game, as they had almost every match since the start. However, they could not break down a Portuguese defense in which man-of-the-match Pepe was majestic and goalkeeper Rui Patricio produced a string of dramatic saves. “We have a great captain, it is an honour to play alongside him and have him in the national team and all Portuguese people should be proud to have Cristiano”.
“Portugal did not create many chances but they were smart”, he added.
“This is a big knock on the head”, Deschamps said after Les Bleus’ dream of another home triumph in a major tournament ended with a 1-0 defeat in extra-time by Portugal in the Euro 2016 final.
Ronaldo came face-to-face with former manager Alex Ferguson, whom he terms as his father-figure in football.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe jumped and shouted after seeing how Éder could score from outside the box the decisive goal in the minute 109th. “He gave me this strength, this energy and it was vital”.
Elsewhere, captain Cristiano Ronaldo also gave the glory to God for the win.
“Compared to two years ago, when we were in the World Cup [quarter-final], here we were in a final”, said Deschamps.
“Words fail me. We deserved it. We finally silenced the French and everyone who spoke ill of us”.
Portugal defended doggedly and threatened occasionally without their inspirational skipper.
This is the heartwarming moment a tearful French football fan was consoled by a young Portugal fan.
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They finished third in their group yet they somehow won the whole thing. “I got the ball back, but if I hurt him it wasn’t intentional – it’s not in my nature to be a nasty player on the pitch”.
