Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the game's legends have achieved almost everything this game can offer to a player. The only thing missing their trophy cabinet was a major trophy with their national side. Messi who played in the last three finals of a major tournament has still not managed to win a trophy with his team.
All eyes were on Ronaldo this time as his team took on the mighty France in the Euro 2016 finale. Deschamps started the game on a positive note, applying early pressure on Portugal's defenders. But the biggest blow of the match came when Ronaldo collided with Payet, injuring his left knee just seven minutes into the game. He still managed to play for another 15 mins before falling on the ground and being carried out on the stretcher with his eyes in tears. It was a heartbreaking moment for all football fans around the globe as the scene looked similar to when Messi cried on field.
Portugal continued to fight without Ronaldo and managed to head into half time with scores tied at 0-0. Second half promised even more attacking and more aggressive football as both teams created many chances but were unable to break the dead lock. In the dying minutes, the goalpost came to Portugal's rescue as a strike from Gignac struck the post. This was the first Euro finals to go into extra time; 90 mins not being enough to decide the European champions.
Eder who came as a sub struck just before the end of extra time blasting a low strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards to stun the host nation and win the Euro for his country; clinching the lone Euro title for Portugal.
The world saw some spectacular coaching skills from Ronaldo as he along with Fernando Santos (Portugal's manager) played an integral part in Portugal's success. Now the question looms, is Messi capable of managing his team? As Ronaldo is now 1 up?
