As Portugal beat France 1-0 in the Euro 2016 final at Stade de France, we take a look at some of the talking points from the game in Paris.
1. Cristiano crocked
(Frank Augstein/AP)The circumstances which saw Brazil’s Ronaldo sat dejected on the Stade de France pitch during the 1998 World Cup final remain something of a mystery. The reasons for his namesake Cristiano’s premature agony were clear. However, unlike Lionel Messi, his rival for the title of world’s best player who retired from Argentina duty earlier this month, he now has an international trophy.
2. Are classic finals a thing of the past?
(Mike Egerton/EMPICS)Three of the last four World Cup and European Championships – here and in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups – have been goalless after 90 minutes. Anxiety outweighs positivity, with one moment deciding it. At least it wasn’t penalties.
3. Eder excellence
(Thibault Camus/AP)Signed from Sporting Braga for £5million in 2015, Eder made four starts and 11 substitute appearances for Swansea, without scoring a goal. He joined Lille on loan in the January transfer window, scored six goals in Ligue 1 and a permanent move was announced in May. Now he is a European champion after a fine strike.
4. Moussa the Magpie flying
(Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)Moussa Sissoko, relegated with Newcastle in May, was the standout performer on the pitch for much of the contest. Frustratingly for Magpies supporters, they did not see the same quality last term. Surely he will not be playing in the Championship this season?
5. Blue Bleus
(Joe Giddens/PA)Hosts France may feel frustrated at a missed opportunity after being arguably the best team in the tournament. They did not deliver on the night, but individuals like Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Anthony Martial will have better days to come.
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