Monday 11 July 2016

Portugal a better result for football than you might first think

Portugal did exactly the number on France that Greece had done to them twelve years ago. I was there in Lisbon to see a crestfallen Cristiano Ronaldo miss what I thought would be his one career opportunity to win a trophy for his country. 

Which is why I was so gutted for him to fall victim of a chancers tackle last night - but so chuffed he could scream "Vamos!" when lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy less than two hours later. 

Portugal might've won less matches than Wales this tournament but no nation can hold a candle to their durability and determination. Pepe was majestic in defence and embodied class disguised as drive. 

They have players of experience and quality playing throughout Europe and though Ronaldo is their standout superstar, they proved they're no one-man team. 

Remember, Portugal was the greatest football nation never to win a major trophy – until last night.

It's a better result for football than at first glance.