Sanches celebrates European crown, bitter defeat for Coman
Renato Sanches will come to Munich as a European champion. On Sunday evening Portugal and the new FCB signing beat hosts France 1-0 after extra-time. Eder scored the 109th-minute match-winner for the Portuguese, who sealed their first EURO triumph.
The crowd at Stade de France saw an intense match over 120 minutes even though spectacular highlights were scarce. Sanches made the starting line-up for the Portuguese, who had to make do without Cristiano Ronaldo after the three-time World Player of the Year was subbed off with injury 25 minutes into the contest. Sanches's appearance made him the youngest-ever player to feature in a European championship final at 18 years and 327 days. The midfield ace was subbed off after a convincing display with 10 minutes to go.
The game picked up pace after the restart. Especially Kingsley Coman, who came on just before the hour, added impetus. The FCB starlet is now the youngest Frenchman to contest a European championship final at 20 years and 27 days. The wing wizard set up promising chances for Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. In addition, André-Pierre Gignac struck the post in injury time.
Despite France's dominance the Portuguese were luckier in the additional 30 minutes. Raphael's free-kick hit the bar early into the second period before Eder's long-range drive sealed the title for Portugal.