Ronaldo will captain Santos’ side in Sunday’s Euro 2016 final against hosts France as he bids for his and his country’s first major global honour. Of course we have had some very tough times this year with tragic events but also with events which have gone on off the field, but we are even prouder to be on the pitch and really feel the entire French population is behind us and feel the happiness which is shared between the players and people.
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The pair know each other well, having faced each other six weeks ago in the Champions League final in which Griezmann missed a penalty for Atletico Madrid in regular time before Ronaldo sealed city rival Real’s victory by converting the decisive spot kick in the shootout. But I’m excited and happy the match is coming round so quickly. The Stade de France, targeted with three suicide bombs as France played a friendly against Germany, will host Sunday’s final but the concert venue, in which 90 people were slaughtered by gunmen, remains closed; boarded up, still and silent.
He has been the crucial influence for France, also scoring the two second-half goals that took them out of trouble after they trailed 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland at half-time in their last-16 tie.
“Because of how France did in the semi-final, they’ve flown off the shelves”, he added.
He said: “Antoine is an exceptional player”. “He’s not very tall but he’s very clever at working out where the ball will be”.
“Yes [this is the most important match of my career] because I am representing my people, my country”.
A lot has changed for France goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris and defender Bacary Sagna since they were part of the team that left the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in disgrace.
Pepe was outstanding in the centre of the Portugal defence in their first five games at the tournament and there have been no signs of the volatile behaviour which has marred his career.
This rugged, hard-to-beat style recalls Greece’s surprise run to win Euro 2004 and beat the more attacking host Portuguese team in the final. “That would be unbelievable but one thing has nothing to do with another”.
Pepe has seemed on his best behavior at Euro 2016, cutting out the hard fouls that helped make his reputation and the play-acting simulation that angered many watchers of the recent Champions League final.
England’s Mark Clattenburg will be the referee for Sunday’s European Championship final between France and Portugal at the Stade de France, governing body UEFA said Friday.
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“I think this referee may be among the best two or three referees in the world”, Pepe said. “It’s recognition of his work and his quality as a professional referee. I hope everyone has an easy night and that they can work peacefully”.
