Final
As Europe waited for the final between the host country France vs Portugal the underdogs, it was constant talk about who will win. With lead goal scorer #7 Griezmann playing for France, would he and the team be able to bring their country this honor and Euro Cup win? Portugal, the country with the Legendary #7 C. Ronaldo have never won a major cup title and was hoping this would be the year.
With the game starting off early in the first fifteen minutes a French defender collided his knee into Ronaldo's knee. The hit to me looked very rough and done on purpose knowing that he was the team's best player. Despite the hit, no call on the foul was made and Ronaldo looked hurt after the hit and remained hurt for the next ten minutes until he finally had to leave due to the injury. Portugal defender Pepe, told Ronaldo that they will win the game for him as he left the field.
With Portugal's lead scorer out, it looked like an easy win for France. With a scoreless first half due to Portugal playing a shell defense with little to no attack, France didn't have their stars at their best. Griezmann missed a header that could have been a clear goal and Gignac missed a shot attempt due to the ball hitting the bar.
The second half of the game kept on with France trying to break Portugal's defense and with Portugal slowly advancing more players into attack. With a scoreless game, extra time was on its way to determine the winner.
Substitute player #9 Eder who had entered the game to change Portugal to an attacking play, was able to score a goal in the last extra time set. With little to no attack most of the game, Portugal was able to secure the win with France not able to score to tie the game.
The game was overall fair with decent calls. The only call that wasn't fair was a hand ball foul given to a french player Koscielny despite it really hitting Eder's hand. When I saw the initial play I thought it was a handball from Koscielny, but from the replay it was clearly off of Eder. This however was not a play that determined any goal and would not have given France an opportunity to score.
With the Euro 2016 over and Portugal the winner, we shall have to wait and see who will win 2020 Euro.
Word hard, play hard, be fair.
Your's truly,
Euro Insider
