Cristiano Ronaldo would have been through both extremes of human emotions last night during Portugal’s triumph over France in the UEFA Euro 2016 final. The Portuguese skipper would have hoped to lead by example and help his side win the final, but to his agony, he had to leave the pitch early in the first half after suffering an injury from a Dmitri Payet challenge. Ronaldo was in tears when he left the pitch and one would feel fate was cruel to him.
Ronaldo was seen on the touchline in the extra time and he was really animated as if he was the manager! The Portuguese superstar was ecstatic like never before, seeing Eder score and kept on encouraging his side to cross the line in what would be the nation’s greatest ever result. Some of his gestures resembled his former manager and mentor Sir Alex Ferguson. Ironically ,Sir Alex was among the crowd to watch the final and he hugged both Ronaldo and Nani after the final. Nani led his side’s resilient display after Ronaldo was substituted.
One would feel destiny owed Portugal the European crown after taking it away from them 12 years ago in Lisbon. The Greeks emerged victorious that day and the entire nation of Portugal was left heartbroken. This time, the hopes of the French to win the tournament as hosts for the second time were dashed when Eder scored a sublime goal from outside the box in the 109th minute, yes, the same player who could not find the back of the net in 15 appearances for Swansea city in the English premier league. This certainly underlines how unpredictable this beautiful game is! In a tournament that has seen so many fascinating and surprising results, Portugal’s win over France was the perfect climax.
Ronaldo would now be the favourite to win the next Ballon d’Or as he won two European finals this year. He was awarded the silver boot after he scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in the tournament.
