European Championships - The Final

The European Championships came to an end last night amid scenes of joyful celebrations and heart-breaking tears. There were even some tears long before the match itself had ended because of injury. I cover all the action in this final post in my blog series on the European Championships.

The Match – Review

Portugal vs France

The final kicked-off with France the favourites to win another major tournament on their home soil. Portugal started better though, keeping the ball away from the French midfielders and putting them on the back foot. Slowly but surely, France started to take control after the 15 minute mark. Soon after, a genuine challenge from Dmitri Payet caught Ronaldo on the knee causing his leg to turn 90 degrees. His reaction was immediate, one of resignation. Although the physios patched him up and allowed him to come back on, he didn’t last very long after. The Portuguese captain left the pitch on a stretcher, in tears because of not being able to play any further part in the game. This seemed to take the sting out of France’s as well, with both teams surely thinking about the injury to Ronaldo. The first half was devoid of further clear-cut chances. Portugal were assured on the ball and didn’t let the hosts take control.

The second half continued in much the same vein. France had the better of the possession but they couldn’t break down the resolute Portuguese defense. A surprising substitution saw Payet replaced by Coman early in the second half. Deschamps was looking to introduce pace to get behind the Portugal defense. Moussa Sissoko was having a good game for the hosts. With less than 20 minutes to go Antoine Griezmann glanced a free header over the bar from less than 6 yards. Considering the goal-scoring form he was in, this was a sitter. Lloris had to make his first saves in the 80^th minute, a double effort, to first keep out a Nani cross-shot which was dipping under the bar and then to catch an acrobatic Quaresma overhead kick. These were the best chances Portugal created all match. The match had reached injury time and it was looking like another long night was on the cards. Gignac almost changed the script. He sent Pepe the wrong way with a sweet turn before scruffing his shot past Rui Patricio. Unluckily for him and the hosts, the ball came back out of the inside of the post and was cleared to safety. That was the last chance of regulation time and France were ruing the missed opportunities.

Portugal took control in extra time, feeding off the tiring French outfield players. Raphael Guerrero hit the post from a well disguised free-kick. Towards the end of the first half of extra time, Eder headed the ball into the ground, only to see it being blocked on the line by Lloris. France were living dangerously.

In the 109^th minute, Eder picked up the ball after a pass from the left wing. He held off two defenders with his strength before launching a hard, low drive on target. Lloris could not get across. Portugal were ahead and it was perhaps the unlikeliest of goal-scorers who’d given them the lead. Cristiano Ronaldo, back on the bench after preliminary treatment, was in tears following the goal. France pushed after the goal, but tired bodies and minds meant they weren’t effective going forward. Pepe was immense all game and he kept out the French a couple of times in the dying minutes. The referee, Mark Clattenburg, blew the final whistle crowning Portugal as the new European Champions. Portugal had scratched and clawed their way to the title, playing a tactical game perfectly suited to their strengths while keeping their weaknesses at bay. Coach Santos had got his tactics spot on and was able to get the best out of his squad.

My Prediction: Portugal 1-2 France

Final Score: Portugal 1-0 France, after extra time

PORTUGAL ARE THE NEW EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!!