Euro 2016: Portugal clinch first European title against France

Football threw up another unlikely hero on Sunday 10 March 2016, when professional Eder scored the goal that won Euro 2016 for Portugal.

Fernando Santos coach of the team said “ugly duckling has become beautiful” after Eder, jeered by Portugal fans during a game in March, fired in a long-range goal 11 minutes from the end of extra-time to give Portugal an unexpected 1-0 win.

Cristino Ronaldo has influenced over the Portuguese team for the latest decade but, after the 3 times world player of the year limped off injured.

Eder played 13 games for English Premier League Swansea City without scoring a goal last season before being loaned to French club Lille.

Eder had never scored a competitive goal for Portugal, before this match he registered only 3 strikes in 28 Internationals.

His physical presence also forced Laurent Kosciely and Samuel Umtiti onto the back foot. And his masterful bullying of the France central defenders created the space from which his stunning drive won Euro.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said, “ This national side Euro win is one of the happiest moment in my career. I have always said I wanted to win a trophy with the national team and make history”.