It was an absolutely remarkable night in Paris, one that will go down in the history books, as Portugal trumped France to lift the Euro 2016 title. It was an enthralling match, full of drama from the very first minute. Portugal’s captain and all-time leading goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo picked up an injury in the first quarter of the game and had to be stretchered off. That certainly wasn’t part of the script as much of the build-up to the game featured around the mercurial player.
Read: Full report on the Euro 2016 final
Ronaldo was to return to the pitch, with his knee bandaged, to help inspire his teammates from the touchline. France did the most of the running in the game, having most of the possession, but were unable to breach the Portuguese defence, marshalled by Pepe. Neither side could score a goal and the match went to extra-time. Andre-Pierre Gignac came closest for the French, cannoning a shot off the inside of the post in added time at the end of the second half. Portugal’s left back Raphael Gurriero was unlucky to hit the crossbar with an expertly taken freekick during the second half of extra time. Two minutes later, Eder stepped up to charge at the French defence and take a low-drive from about 30 yards that nestled in the corner of the goal.
Social media, as expected, erupted and there were plenty of cricketers queuing up to congratulate the Portuguese team and their captain Ronaldo on their memorable night.
Chris Gayle proved to be one of the biggest fans of the team through the course of the tournament:
Yuvraj Singh was certainly in ‘high spirits’ after the win:
Darren Sammy kept it simple:
Wayne Parnell had a message for Ronaldo’s haters:
Mohammad Hafeez was pleased his son’s favourite team won:
Michael Vaughan with a bit of word play:
David Miller sending his support all the way from Guyana:
Former England cricketer, James Taylor lauding the sportsman that is Cristiano Ronaldo:
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