Audacious Eder wins Euro 2016 for Portugal in extra time

Little-heralded Eder scored in extra time and Portugal defeated hosts France 1-0 at the Stade de France on Sunday night to be crowned victors of Euro 2016.

Portugal's Eder celebrates after scoring the winning goal in extra time against France in the Euro 2016 final on Sunday. Miguel Medina / AFP / July 10, 2016

Little-heralded Eder became forever hero for Portugal on Sunday night, scoring a screamer of a winner from about 20 yards out in extra time.

France and Portugal were deadlocked throughout the tight affair, goalless through 90 minutes. But it was the 79th-minute substitute, with only four international goals previously to his credit, who put his brief, indelible mark on Euro 2016, and devastating hosts France.

It was a contest that had also featured Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo forced off injured in tears just 25 minutes into the match.

The Real Madrid forward had attempted to play on with a heavily bandaged knee after hurting his left knee in a heavy challenge from France’s Dimitri Payet.

But after one acceleration midway through the first half Ronaldo signalled to the bench that he could not carry on and could not hide his despair as he was replaced by Ricardo Quaresma.

More to come...

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