“They played well, they scored 10 minutes from the end”.
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But it didn’t make it any easier to view for Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores, who took to social media to vent her frustration at what she felt was a deliberate attempt to hurt the Portuguese superstar.
The 17.7 million who tuned in to public broadcaster ARD was well below the almost 30 million that watched Germany’s semifinal exit to France and even below the 19 million that saw Iceland against France in the quarter final.
Still they held the hopes of everyone associated with this little country, known for pasteis de nata (custard tarts) and charcoal chicken, in this one game. “This goes out to them”.
However, Ronaldo was on the sidelines as Portugal secured a shock victory over France thanks to Eder’s extra-time goal, and despite his injury was arguably still the key protagonist on the night.
This year’s UEFA European Championship in France was one of the most talked about sporting events ever on Facebook, with Cristiano “Ronaldo lifts the trophy” being the top moment (globally) in the final match.
A major global tournament victory was one of the only trinkets missing from the trophy cabinet of Ronaldo, the 31-year-old Real Madrid superstar who is also a team-mate of Pepe’s at club level.
“The disappointment is there and it’s huge”, Deschamps told French television channel M6 at Stade de France. “Let’s go Portugal we are the Champions!” “There are no words to describe this feeling”.
Officials said they wanted the mystery France fan to “get to know Portugal and experience the authentic Portuguese welcome”.
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“The ugly duckling went and scored – now he is a attractive swan”. In winning a major tournament he surpasses Portugal greats Eusebio and Luis Figo.
