Congratulations to Portugal for beating France this morning and winning a Euro 2016 that was high on drama but largely devoid of world-class international football.
The underdogs prevailed 1-0 to register a stunning upset in Paris, with substitute Eder blasting home a low strike from distance to stun the host nation in extra time.
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» Match report: Portugal stun France to win Euro 2016
The French came agonisingly close to winning it in normal time when substitute Andre-Pierre Gignac skipped around Pepe before beating goalkeeper Rui Patricio, only to see his scuffed shot rebound back off the inside of the post.
After overcoming reigning world champions Germany in a gripping semi-final, France were red-hot favourites to defeat a Portugal side boasting the singular talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and not a whole lot else.
Of course, with Ronaldo limping off injured midway through the first half at packed Stade de France, the Portuguese were always likely to be on the back foot in Paris.
Yet a striker born in Guinea-Bissau who had scored just three international goals prior to this morning stole the show, as Eder smashed home a winner that sent shock waves around Europe.
Defender Raphael had almost nicked it seconds earlier when he curled a free-kick over the wall and off the underside of the crossbar, although a global audience of millions – if not referee Mark Clattenburg – could see the free-kick should never have been awarded in the first place.
Portugal’s shock win goes some way to exorcising the ghosts of Euro 2004, where they were ambushed on home soil in Lisbon, going down to rank outsiders Greece in another stunning upset.
Just like 12 years ago, it was another unorthodox triumph this time around, with Portugal finishing third in their group behind tournament minnows Hungary and Iceland.
They needed extra-time to down Croatia in the Round of 16, while it took penalties to separate them from Poland in the quarter-final, with the subsequent 2-0 win over Wales the only time they won a Euro 2016 match inside 90 minutes.
And they triumphed in the final without their talisman Ronaldo, who limped from the field after being clattered into by Dimitri Payet early on.
Ronaldo spent what seemed like the rest of the match wiping away tears on the bench, and for all his pouting and posturing, he once again had little impact on a major final.
That said, so too did most of France’s big guns.
Antoine Griezmann might have announced himself as a major international talent with six goals during the tournament, but he was largely kept quiet by a fragile Portuguese back four held together by veteran goalkeeper Patricio.
The diminutive Griezmann saw one header saved early in the first half, before missing a gilt-edged opportunity to open the scoring midway through the second with another off-target header, while the cumbersome Olivier Giroud likewise found Patricio a tough man to beat.
How different would things have been had Gignac taken his chance shortly before full-time, in a tournament in which the slow-burn French always threatened to ignite while others burned out around them.
Instead the 2-0 semi-final win over reigning world champions Germany was the hosts’ high point, with the weight of playing a final in front of their home fans appearing to suffocate the French.
The tournament itself continued the recent trend of largely negative international football, with most teams setting themselves up to avoid defeat instead of pushing on to victory – a tactic Portugal will no doubt claim worked wonders for them.
The jury is still out on whether Ronaldo is a truly world-class superstar – at international level, at least – although the Portuguese talisman clearly inspires those teammates around him.
But the Euro 2016 outcome is unequivocal. Portugal are champions, albeit unorthodox ones, following a morning of nervy action at the Stade de France.
Peter Mathews
Guest
I think the same about Griezmann because he´s portuguese as well
Kareem
Guest
This is a mentality throughout football. Everyone complains when they lose, but at the same time are happy to succeed in a similar manner! I am guilty of this as are many professional footballers. And I presume many armature footballers. But when Ronaldo says it, that's when all the attention goes on him. I can't stand that!
Kareem
Guest
Portugal knew a 3rd place finish was enough in their final match... They would have gone all out vs Hungary if required (and Hungary would have possibly played more cautiously). Could have been a very different type of match...
Kareem
Guest
This is the problem with football...hypocrisy! Italy can play defensively because it is part of their football identity (which I don't mind). Spain can play their boring tika take game (lacking the cutting edge of Messi at first, and later Newmarket/Suarez), scoring little goals in the process and suffocating any challenge from their opponents. But they get away with it because they dominate possession...possession is a skilfully crafted tactic that provides defensive stability for sides like Spain...but it's often hailed as this pure form of free flowing attacking football. Attacking football? Brazil in full flight...admittedly it has been ineffective. Regardless Spain are entitled to play football their way, especially if it wins trophies... I just don't appreciate the pro-spain, pro-possesiom sentiment that goes along with it Portugal literally played the only way that could achieve any sort of results...play in a way to make the haters happy? And lose? Or play tactically superb, limiting their opposition and nick a win? Perhaps going on a run to the trophy? For me, I like Germany and France...because they play the best looking football in my eyes. But I can appreciate teams who outplay the big boys. Well done Portugal!
Kareem
Guest
One could argue that it was boring for the average neutral fan... But on a deeper level, I believe it was superb for the tactically-minded neutral...
Kareem
Guest
So true. I can't understand the constant hate towards Ronaldo. I suppose it doesn't matter as he apparently likes it. I guess its just a poor reflection on a lot of football fans... Just concentrate on the players you do like... I for one was mesmerised By Griezman. What a player! I was thoroughly unimpressed when he played on the wing at the 2014 world cup. I have now been proven wrong!
AZ_RBB
Guest
Thanks guys. I genuinely enjoyed the tournament and it's bit of an empty feeling now that it's finished. Oh well club season is only a month away.
Midfielder
Guest
AZ great post
70s Mo
Guest
Great post AZ. Worthy of its own article
Post hoc
Guest
And a mighty fine Spurs Players COYS
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
A couple of mentions of how poor England were, a few about the hooligan problem, some about English commentators and a conversation about Eric Dier. Hardly evidence of some anti-English conspiracy. Of these comments there's little that I would disagree with either, and I say that as an Englishman myself.
Al
Guest
Great summary AZ!
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Does a football match have to be "world-class, high quality" to be able to enjoy it. My O45s team has been struggling all season and we played the team coming first on the weekend and played all over them to win 7-3. We are certainly not world class, but it was one of the most enjoyable games I've ever played in. Football mimics the vicissitudes of life. The ironic drama of Ronaldo being injured in the first few minutes and having to be stretchered off - all seemed lost for Portugal. The drama of Griezmann missing a free header on goal and another chance hitting the inside of the upright. The winner coming in extra time from a 25 metre low drive inside the near post. Its football and its fantastic.
Mark
Guest
Are you that embarrassed by their performance that you're taking the "move on, nothing to see here" approach? Whether you like it or not, England's elimination by Iceland was one of the most interesting things that happened this tournament...for which I agree with Mike was largely forgettable. Get over it.
Punter
Guest
Thanks AZ, there are some who understand what football is all about!!!
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Agreed...!
Simon
Guest
Weird, I will always continue to watch SBS's coverage because of Craig Foster. I don't think any other football analysts in Aus come close
Freddie
Guest
You think there's just 2? Ok then. You may also want to try scrolling back and counting the amount of articles written on England here. It's the only identity most Australians can find. Not being and not liking the English. Juvenile bores.
pacman
Guest
Brilliant summary AZ. I honestly don't think there is a point that I disagree with. Love him or hate him, there is no doubting that Ronaldo is a brilliant player. The French were obviously intent upon "softening" him up, and they succeeded! This approach did, however, backfire, for after a few minutes of uncertainty, the Portuguese realised that they were equal to the task. As far as the quality of football is concerned, as I have commented earlier, defenders are becoming far more accomplished, both skill wise and speed wise. No longer are attackers able to turn defenders inside out, skin them, and scamper away with a two metre head start. Time for attacking coaches to become more inventive, There is always more than one way of skinning a cat! Even if it means going back to the basics! Interesting days ahead.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I think I've said this 10 times through the course of the tournament but hey why not reiterate at the end of it. I thoroughly enjoyed Euro 2016. Despite the horrible viewing hours I managed to watch a bulk of the tournament and followed whatever I missed through delayed broadcasts and countless game reports. There's a certain joy about watching a tournament with complete neutrality. I enjoyed it for many reasons. The biggest being the many storylines that ran throughout the tournament. The appalling crowd violence was countered by wonderful scenes of fans from opposite sides of the continent connecting. I was not a fan of the 24 team format but the increase in teams is probably what created much of the excitement. Football crazy nations who had been stuck on the fringes of European football for decades were on its biggest stage and making a hell of a lot of noise. The football wasn't the most attractive any of us would have witnessed. But because so few games were blow outs it allowed for exciting finishes and that's exactly how many games played out. People forget that World Cups often play out in similar fashion with things turning defensive by the 3rd match day. That's just tournament football for you. Then you have the highly documented fairytales of Wales and Iceland. But lets not forget Hungary who remarkably topped their group. And Italy whose squad was described as one of the worst ever but went on to surprise many. On the flip side you have the likes of England whose exit at the hands of Iceland sent shockwaves through the football world and tied in beautifully with the UK's infamous exit from the EU. The once mighty Spain was no longer mighty. The world champion Germans had lost some of their mojo. The hyped Belgium didn't give us much more than hype. The home team played their part wonderfully. That Payet goal still replays in my head. The rise and rise of Griezmann is a sight to behold. The circus that is Paul Pogba was an untimely distraction. Mark my words, they will be even better in 2018! My personal favourite storyline was the Ronaldo one. In the first couple of weeks he was a shambles. Missing penalties and going missing on the field. Team struggling to beat minnows and just scraping through. While on the other side of the Atlantic Lionel Messi was scoring for fun. How quickly things change. Messi loses his final and gives up on international football and then gets done for tax evasion. Ronaldo leads his underrated team to a very very unlikely major trophy. All the storylines above are a product of the countless moving pieces and elements that make up the world of football. Goals and saves are such a small part of what makes football exciting. The cultures, the narratives, the styles and the personalities are what sets football apart. I can't wait for Euro 2020. Very keen to attend and enjoy the travelling roadshow across the continent.