Eder's goal for Portugal beats France

Portugal have won the European football championships after beating hosts France 1-0 in the Paris final.

Substitute Antonio Eder scored the winner with a dramatic strike in extra-time at the Stade de France.

From 25 metres out, he fired a low shot past French keeper and skipper Hugo Lloris into the bottom corner on 109 minutes.

It was his first competitive goal for his country and the result left the home supporters stunned. 

Portugal's first major tournament win came despite the side losing their captain and star striker Cristiano Ronaldo to a knee injury as he was stretchered off before the half-hour mark.

He went down following a heavy tackle from Dimitri Payet in the eighth minute but played on before being replaced by Ricardo Quaresma in the 25th
The trophy was lifted by Ronaldo, who had broken down in tears at the final whistle.

France started as favourites and were aiming for their third major title as hosts, after winning Euro 1984 and the 1998 World Cup. They also triumphed in Euro 2000.

But it wasn't to be for the home side on the night.

The result was a cruel blow for France, who had dominated for most of the match and squandered a number of chances.

The country has endured a deeply troubled year.
It remains in a state of emergency following the terrorist attacks of last November, and the tournament was staged against the backdrop of strikes and civil unrest.

The fixture also had a poignant symbolism.

It was played at the stadium where the Paris attacks began, and where the only person killed was a Portugese driver who had lived in France for 20 years.

Source: AFP