It took a total of 25 minutes for Portuguese main man Cristiano Ronaldo to throw his captain’s armband to the floor, and take a seat on the inch perfect grass to await the stretcher.
The world went into shock as the clash between Cristiano and France’ Dimitri Payet ended in a way many could not believe. It was the biggest game in Portugal’s club history, and the world’s best has tears streaming from his eyes as he knows he is unable to continue in a match of utter importance.
Unexpected, yes. I guarantee that most of the world would be thinking that Portugal’s chances have just taken a massive blow.
Cristiano had scored over 50 per cent of the EURO 2016 goals for his country, thus making him the man for Portugal. As half time approached, the goalless score seemed to be a difficult one to pick. France were clear favourites heading in the the final.
Mr. Ronaldo spent most the game in the sheds as his knee needed some work, however, as the full-time whistle sounded, the score remained 0-0. Step up, super coach.
Ronaldo stepped forward in to assist Portugal manager Fernando Santos to inspire his team to cause a massive upset in France, the host nation. Screaming from the sideline, barely able to walk.
After breaking down in tears several times already, there was more to come. As luck would have it, Eder struck a ball so clean it passed French goalkeeper Hugo Loris without touching his fingers and hit the back of the net.
CR7 broke down with a stream of tears as the entire Portugal team and staff gathered as one to celebrate. Could this be the greatest achievement in their side’s history? Yes.
Over 122 minutes of football had been played in the EURO 2016 grand final and Portugal are the new kings of Europe.
Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.
TFPJOURNALIST
Roar Pro
Hi, thanks for the comment. I understand where you're coming from, but saying Cristiano I do not intend to refer to him like I know him on first name terms - just didn't want to cause repetition of the word 'Ronaldo' is all. I do think you're looking a little too much into it, as well as making an effort to criticise as it is not constructive. Maybe think about how you word your comments, as this is a website for ANY writers to have a go at writing pieces even when they're beginners.
TFPJOURNALIST
Roar Pro
Hi, thanks for the comment. No one was implying that, however you could gain a sense of inspiration from not only the fans, but the players and Cristiano himself that this gave them another platform to step up and prove themselves on the big stage, without their big name.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
It wasn't actually that surprising that Ronaldo came off. As I have written elsewhere in The Roar, he had been playing so poorly in this tournament, and was a virtual passenger in several matches, that many of us suspected there was something wrong -- probably an injury of some kind. Portugal played much better once he was off the field, as they were no longer carrying an injured striker. Although he was hampered in his movement, I wouldn't describe him as "barely able to walk".
peeeko
Guest
my thoughts exactly, i think a young boy wrote this. good on him for having a go
ChrisB
Guest
How old is the author of this piece? 10? Seriously why call him "cristiano' like you're on intimate first name terms with him? And speak of the influence of his "tears" Grow up. He's a skilful player but he surely is a strong contender for the most excessive ego in sports' history. Any sport not just association football
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Mixed feelings. Great achievement by Portugal but for every winner there is a loser. The French did so well to get to the final on home soil and only the width of half a post denied them the trophy and the football world another fairy tale ending. Great drama. Portugal lift their first ever European Championship and the hearts of millions of Portuguese world wide, including the streets of Sydney where they stopped the early peak hour traffic.
smell the fear
Guest
because they didnt have a big enough reason to do so already?