Eder scores in extra time to beat host France and win Portugal’s first major title.
Advertisement
France forward Antoine Griezmann has been named as the UEFA EURO 2016 Player of the Tournament by UEFA’s technical observers after finishing with six goals and two assists.
“We came close, really close”, said Griezmann, who has reached a totally new dimension this season, prompting Atletico coach Diego Simeone to say his disciplined and hard-working forward was among the top three players in the world.
Although they were beaten in the final by Portugal at Stade de France last Sunday, France’s 2016 UEFA European Championship campaign should be considered a success. I’m proud of the squad, proud of everybody.
Portugal’s sports press hailed the team on Monday with headlines including “Epic”, “Eternal” and “Pride of Portugal”.
Portugal secured their first major global title despite losing captain Cristiano Ronaldo to injury in the first half. Ronaldo returned from treatment at the end of 90 minutes to give pep talks to his teammates.
Up against a French team with a whole nation behind them, Portugal held their own to defend doggedly and threatened occasionally without their inspirational skipper. We hit the post, I had chances as well and I nearly scored. And Lloris was the latest to raise questions about the manner of Portugal’s wins.
But he described France’s luck as “cruel” and added “one can always argue about the way they play, but they are efficient and you must congratulate them”.
France started the match as strong favourites after beating Germany 2-0 in the semi-final.
Advertisement
“After quite a bit of deliberation, the observers chose a team that features the best performing players from the best performing teams at UEFA EURO 2016”.
