France puts its formidable record in finals on the line when the European Championship hosts try to deny Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal a first major football title on Sunday.
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Ronaldo tried to come back on the field twice after Dimitri Payet’s front on challenge left him in serious pain to the knee.
Ronaldo was just 19 and playing his first worldwide tournament back in 2004, but the Real Madrid forward captains his country these days and was relishing the chance of leading Portugal to glory at Euro 2016.
There is somewhat of a home advantage for France, as the game is being played at the Stade de France in Paris. Hearts in mouths for Portugal – looks like he hurt his knee.
Ronaldo exited the Stade de France pitch on a stretcher in the 25th minute with his hands covering his face to hide the tears beneath.
Before the match, Portugal legend Paulo Futre had said: “Ronaldo isn’t right – you can see that”.
Minutes later, Olivier Giroud, fed by sprightly substitute Coman, forced a diving save from Patricio, who then parried away a pile-driver from Sissoko as France turned the screw.
Around 300 million people have been estimated to watch the game on television worldwide.
Defender Pepe returns to the Portugal side for the Euro 2016 final against a France team unchanged from their semi-final victory over world champions Germany.
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In contrast to Patricio, French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris had relatively little to do during the game but as the game edged towards extra time he had to tip away a unsafe cross from Nani and then deal with Quaresma’s hooked shot.
