The decision in the 2016 final: Portugal’s Eder (l.) shakes off Frenchman Laurent Koscielny and scores 1-0.
Photo: imago/Contrast
Didier Deschamps will probably never forget the moment that took place right in front of his coaching bench: France’s leading player Antoine Griezmann failed to retain the ball near the halfway line, shortly afterwards Portugal substitute Éder shook off his defensive opponent Laurent Koscielny like an annoying fly before his long-range shot a fraction of a second later rushed into the French goal. 1-0 for Portugal in the final of the 2016 European Championship in Paris. The decision in the 109th minute of extra time. France sank into a state of shock. The dream of a title at home was shattered. Portugal in a frenzy of celebration.
The hosts had thought that they had already cleared the biggest chunk of the problem after the hard-fought semi-final victory against world champions Germany. This blow to the back of the neck weighed heavily on the Grande Nation’s spirits, especially since the home tournament had already passed without any ease due to the huge security presence after the terrorist attacks in Paris. Since then, the two teams have met once in the group stage at the 2021 European Championship – 2-2 after two goals each from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. But it’s not until the European Championship quarter-final between Portugal and France this Friday (9 p.m./ZDF) that the past really flares up again, because there can only be one winner in Hamburg.
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»We have the necessary quality and talent, but so do other teams. At the highest level you need consistency and you have to work hard as a team,” demanded Deschamps. Since the trauma, he has been even more pragmatic as a coach than he was as a player. The 55-year-old puts efficiency above all else. When his assistant coach Guy Stéphan returns to the Stade de France, Deschamps’ confidant no longer sees anything negative. “It may come as a surprise, but I don’t have a bad memory of it,” assured the 67-year-old. Without this slap in the face in our own living room, “we wouldn’t have won the 2018 World Cup.” But only Deschamps’ favorite Griezmann, who at 33 years old is the only one left from the original starting eleven, can learn the lessons for “Les Bleus”. Kylian Mbappé was not yet of legal age
But his adored idol Ronaldo had a leading role. Just a completely different one than usual. The superstar, who was injured and replaced in tears after less than half an hour on July 10, 2016, made a great contribution to the community as a motivator in the coaching zone.
Mockers say that the 39-year-old would be of better use to the Seleção if he were not on the pitch. “CR7” naturally still sees itself in an active role. The icon recently said martially about the duel against the French in Frankfurt am Main: “They are one of the favorites for the title. But we’re going to war.” What’s certain is that he’s “without a doubt my last European Championship” – he doesn’t want to continue until 2028 in Great Britain.
What’s astonishing is that his ensemble is just as tough as it was eight years ago. After three stale draws in the preliminary round, Ronaldo and Co. needed extra time in the round of 16 against Croatia and the penalty shootout in the quarter-finals against Poland in 2016 to reach the semi-finals against Wales. Her coach Fernando Santos simply refused to win beauty awards. His successor Roberto Martinez came with a different ambition, but in 2024 the Spaniard will only take what the team offers him. That wasn’t much in the round of 16 against Slovenia, but at least goalkeeper Diego Costa was reliable in the end. »This tournament is about details. You can win on penalties, and games can also be decided by individual quality,” said Martinez. France is very strong, “but I’m sure there will be room for us.”
More creativity and precision would be good for Portugal. In addition to Ronaldo, for example, strike partner Rafael Leão and the ball suppliers from midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, would be required here. Both of today’s stars were also not in the title squad in 2016. In addition to Ronaldo and goalkeeper Rui Patricio, there is only the eternal Pepe, who could ruin an evening for Didier Deschamps for the second time.
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