Football threw up another unlikely hero on Sunday when journeyman professional Eder scored the goal that won Euro 2016 for Portugal. 
 
Coach Fernando Santos said the &quot;ugly duckling has become beautiful&quot; after Eder, jeered by Portugal fans during a game in March, fired in a long-range goal 11 minutes from the end of extra-time to give Portugal an unexpected 1-0 win. 
 
Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the Portuguese team for the last decade but, after the three-times world player of the year limped off injured, it was the 28-year-old Eder, born in Guinea-Bissau, who stole the headlines. 
 
Eder played 13 games for English Premier League Swansea City without scoring a goal last season before being loaned to French club Lille. 
 
&quot;I felt that Fernando Santos knows about my qualities ever since the day the squad was named,&quot; Eder told reporters. &quot;He put his confidence in me and today, I paid him back. I&#39;m very happy.&quot; 
 
His presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt until the very last minute and his goal on Sunday was only his fourth in 29 international appearances. 
 
Eder is one of five members of the Portuguese squad who were born outside Europe along with Danilo (Guinea Bissau), Pepe (Brazil), Nani (Cape Verde) and William Carvalho (Angola). 
 
Full name Ederzito Antonio Macedo Lopes, he has never played for any of the big three clubs in his homeland. 
 
After starting his career with third tier side Tourizense, he moved on to Academica Coimbra for four seasons before spending three seasons with slightly less unfashionable Braga. 
 
He made his international debut against Azerbaijan in 2014 but since then has only been a fringe player. 
 
Eder was brought on in the 79th minute of Sunday&#39;s game after Santos decided he needed a more physical presence in attack. 
 
&quot;I understood that Eder was the player who had to come on to hold up the ball in attack and create problems for France in the air,&quot; Santos said. 
 
&quot;When he went on, he said he would score the goal, and he did. He deserves congratulations. The ugly duckling turned into a beautiful one.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Portuguese coach Fernando Santos says of goalscorer Eder, whose presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt till the very last minute

Football threw up another unlikely hero on Sunday when journeyman professional Eder scored the goal that won Euro 2016 for Portugal. Coach Fernando Santos said the "ugly duckling has become beautiful" after Eder, jeered by Portugal fans during a game in March, fired in a long-range goal 11 minutes from the end of extra-time to give Portugal an unexpected 1-0 win. Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated the Portuguese team for the last decade but, after the three-times world player of the year limped off injured, it was the 28-year-old Eder, born in Guinea-Bissau, who stole the headlines. Eder played 13 games for English Premier League Swansea City without scoring a goal last season before being loaned to French club Lille. "I felt that Fernando Santos knows about my qualities ever since the day the squad was named," Eder told reporters. "He put his confidence in me and today, I paid him back. I'm very happy." His presence in the 23-man squad was in doubt until the very last minute and his goal on Sunday was only his fourth in 29 international appearances. Eder is one of five members of the Portuguese squad who were born outside Europe along with Danilo (Guinea Bissau), Pepe (Brazil), Nani (Cape Verde) and William Carvalho (Angola). Full name Ederzito Antonio Macedo Lopes, he has never played for any of the big three clubs in his homeland. After starting his career with third tier side Tourizense, he moved on to Academica Coimbra for four seasons before spending three seasons with slightly less unfashionable Braga. He made his international debut against Azerbaijan in 2014 but since then has only been a fringe player. Eder was brought on in the 79th minute of Sunday's game after Santos decided he needed a more physical presence in attack. "I understood that Eder was the player who had to come on to hold up the ball in attack and create problems for France in the air," Santos said. "When he went on, he said he would score the goal, and he did. He deserves congratulations. The ugly duckling turned into a beautiful one." (Reuters)

The 'ugly duckling has become beautiful'

When the final whistle went in Paris, the disappointment of France&#39;s Euro 2016 loss to Portugal could be felt among their fans but after almost 10 years in the wilderness, coach Didier Deschamps has built a side ready to vie for the next World Cup. 
 
Having come into the tournament with few pundits expecting them to go beyond the semi-finals, let alone defeat Germany for the first time in a competitive game in 58 years, they managed to exceed expectations and lay solid foundations. 
 
There is a youthful togetherness, hunger and swagger about this French team that with a few tweaks will make them stronger as they aim for the World Cup title in Russia in two years&#39; time. 
 
The defeat to Portugal, while cruel in its manner, highlighted that France&#39;s young guns still need to mature after coming up against a more savvy opponent. Great teams are often built on such defeats. 
 
&quot;Our disappointment is immense and will take time to digest. We won together, we suffered together and we lost together,&quot; said Deschamps, laying emphasis on the family feel he has nurtured over the last two years. 
 
Twenty-year-old winger Kingsley Coman, France&#39;s youngest player, summed up the disappointment by storming off straight into the tunnel as the whistle went, but after a word from the staff was back to thank the fans. 
 
At 25, Antoine Griezmann proved with his six goals that he is just at the start of his journey as heir to the great French number 10s of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini. 
 
Perhaps the burden on his shoulders after a 70th match of the season was just too much on the day. 
 
It was ironically France&#39;s main strength in the tournament, their attack, that let them down on the night. They lacked that cutting edge and freshness to get them over the line. 
 
But with Karim Benzema, their best striker absent at the tournament, Lyon&#39;s Alexandre Lacazette waiting in the wings and Anthony Martial still developing, the prospects are bright up front. 
 
Solid Spine 
 
The French midfield trio of Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba and Moussa Sissoko were on top for much of Sunday&#39;s match. N&#39;Golo Kante, who did not play in the final, has shown that he can add steel to the French midfield. 
 
Pogba still has to show that he can become the great player he aspires to be. His flashes of brilliance were too intermittent throughout the tournament. 
 
But at 23 he has his best years ahead of him and could be the man that drives this team forward. 
 
Prior to the tournament, France&#39;s Achilles heel was in defence. It has, on the whole, defied those critics. With no caps prior to Euro 2016, 22-year-old Samuel Umtiti has proved that he has a future at this level. 
 
The French team were already lacking their top central defensive partnership in Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho but are spoiled for choice at centre-back with Kurt Zouma and Aymeric Laporte among those knocking on the door. 
 
Arguably, Deschamps&#39; biggest headache will be replacing his full backs. 
 
While Patrice Evra has played a father figure role in the team, his performances have not justified his place. Layvin Kurzawa and Lucas Digne must now step up. On the right, Bacary Sagna will also step aside, although there is no natural replacement as yet. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m proud of what this group of 23 players achieved. We didn&#39;t get the reward, but we have an exceptional group and that let&#39;s us think that we will have better days,&quot; Deschamps said. 
 
(Reuters)

They might have lost to Portugal but coach Didier Deschamps has built a side ready to vie for the World Cup in two years

When the final whistle went in Paris, the disappointment of France's Euro 2016 loss to Portugal could be felt among their fans but after almost 10 years in the wilderness, coach Didier Deschamps has built a side ready to vie for the next World Cup. Having come into the tournament with few pundits expecting them to go beyond the semi-finals, let alone defeat Germany for the first time in a competitive game in 58 years, they managed to exceed expectations and lay solid foundations. There is a youthful togetherness, hunger and swagger about this French team that with a few tweaks will make them stronger as they aim for the World Cup title in Russia in two years' time. The defeat to Portugal, while cruel in its manner, highlighted that France's young guns still need to mature after coming up against a more savvy opponent. Great teams are often built on such defeats. "Our disappointment is immense and will take time to digest. We won together, we suffered together and we lost together," said Deschamps, laying emphasis on the family feel he has nurtured over the last two years. Twenty-year-old winger Kingsley Coman, France's youngest player, summed up the disappointment by storming off straight into the tunnel as the whistle went, but after a word from the staff was back to thank the fans. At 25, Antoine Griezmann proved with his six goals that he is just at the start of his journey as heir to the great French number 10s of Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini. Perhaps the burden on his shoulders after a 70th match of the season was just too much on the day. It was ironically France's main strength in the tournament, their attack, that let them down on the night. They lacked that cutting edge and freshness to get them over the line. But with Karim Benzema, their best striker absent at the tournament, Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette waiting in the wings and Anthony Martial still developing, the prospects are bright up front. Solid Spine The French midfield trio of Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba and Moussa Sissoko were on top for much of Sunday's match. N'Golo Kante, who did not play in the final, has shown that he can add steel to the French midfield. Pogba still has to show that he can become the great player he aspires to be. His flashes of brilliance were too intermittent throughout the tournament. But at 23 he has his best years ahead of him and could be the man that drives this team forward. Prior to the tournament, France's Achilles heel was in defence. It has, on the whole, defied those critics. With no caps prior to Euro 2016, 22-year-old Samuel Umtiti has proved that he has a future at this level. The French team were already lacking their top central defensive partnership in Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho but are spoiled for choice at centre-back with Kurt Zouma and Aymeric Laporte among those knocking on the door. Arguably, Deschamps' biggest headache will be replacing his full backs. While Patrice Evra has played a father figure role in the team, his performances have not justified his place. Layvin Kurzawa and Lucas Digne must now step up. On the right, Bacary Sagna will also step aside, although there is no natural replacement as yet. "I'm proud of what this group of 23 players achieved. We didn't get the reward, but we have an exceptional group and that let's us think that we will have better days," Deschamps said. (Reuters)

Better luck next time France

Two-time defending champions Spain meet Italy in a mouthwatering last 16 clash at Euro 2016 today, while Wayne Rooney&#39;s England must overcome outsiders Iceland to reach the quarter-finals. 
 
To keep alive their hopes of a third consecutive European title, Spain must negotiate a repeat of the Euro 2012 final that they won 4-0. 
 
But they come into today&#39;s game at on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Croatia which relegated Vicente Del Bosque&#39;s team to runners-up in Group D and into the path of Italy so early in the tournmant. 
 
It will not get any easier for the winners as world champions Germany await in the quarter-finals. 
 
While Italy arrived at the tournament with low expectations they impressed in their first two matches and Del Bosque insists they will pose a formidable threat at the Stade de France. 
 
&quot;We have a lot of respect for a very strong team like Italy. They are just as much favourites as we are,&quot; he said. 
 
Recent history is on Spain&#39;s side -- they have won all seven of their knockout ties under Del Bosque at the Euros and World Cup. 
 
Italy coach Antonio Conte urged his players to defy the odds in the 1600 GMT kickoff. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t want to go home, the boys don&#39;t want to go home. We are not the sacrifical lamb. Spain have to show they are better on the pitch,&quot; said Conte, who will join Chelsea after the tournament. 
 
Spain will unleash striker Alvaro Morata, the competition&#39;s joint top scorer on three goals, on a solid Italian defence that he knows well from his just-completed two-year spell at Juventus. 
 
Italy will be without Antonio Candreva because of a groin injury, with Alessandro Florenzi likely to replace him on the right side of midfield. 
 
Chance of a lifetime&nbsp; 
 
England were spared the task of facing Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s Portugal when Iceland grabbed a last-gasp winner against Austria in their final group stage match. 
 
Iceland&#39;s population of 330,000 makes them the smallest nation ever to have qualified for a major tournament and they approach the game in Nice as underdogs. 
 
But the pressure is on England coach Roy Hodgson, who was criticised for weakening the side with six changes in the final group game against Slovakia which ended in a goalless stalemate. 
 
Finishing second in Group B behind Wales put England into the more difficult side of the draw and if they overcome Iceland they will have to face hosts France in the capital on Sunday. 
 
Hodgson has called the match in Nice (kickoff 1900 GMT) a &quot;win or bust&quot; clash and a defeat would call into question his future, but he has insisted he will not &quot;beg&quot; for his job. 
 
&quot;I am prepared to carry on. It is different to wanting it. I&#39;m prepared to carry on if the FA want me to,&quot; Hodgson said. 
 
&quot;If they don&#39;t want me to, then my contract will have run out and that is how that will be. So I&#39;m not begging for the job.&quot; 
 
England captain Rooney, who has yet to score at Euro 2016, said he is wary of an Iceland team that twice defeated the Netherlands in qualifying and held Portugal in their opening group game. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re not going into this game showing a lack of respect for Iceland. We&#39;re showing full respect.&quot; 
 
Iceland&#39;s co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the game represents the opportunity of a lifetime for his players. 
 
&quot;If we beat England, their lives will change forever, and significantly. Icelandic football will go up in reputation and the way we approach football will be different,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;But whichever way this goes, these players are winners already.&quot; 
 
Iceland have complained they have only been granted between 3,000 and 3,500 places in the 34,500-capacity Stade de Nice, but thousands of their fans invaded Nice where they were drinking and swapping chants with England fans before the match. 
 
(AFP)

To keep alive their hopes of a third consecutive European title, Spain must negotiate a repeat of the Euro 2012 final which they won by 4-0

Two-time defending champions Spain meet Italy in a mouthwatering last 16 clash at Euro 2016 today, while Wayne Rooney's England must overcome outsiders Iceland to reach the quarter-finals. To keep alive their hopes of a third consecutive European title, Spain must negotiate a repeat of the Euro 2012 final that they won 4-0. But they come into today's game at on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Croatia which relegated Vicente Del Bosque's team to runners-up in Group D and into the path of Italy so early in the tournmant. It will not get any easier for the winners as world champions Germany await in the quarter-finals. While Italy arrived at the tournament with low expectations they impressed in their first two matches and Del Bosque insists they will pose a formidable threat at the Stade de France. "We have a lot of respect for a very strong team like Italy. They are just as much favourites as we are," he said. Recent history is on Spain's side -- they have won all seven of their knockout ties under Del Bosque at the Euros and World Cup. Italy coach Antonio Conte urged his players to defy the odds in the 1600 GMT kickoff. "I don't want to go home, the boys don't want to go home. We are not the sacrifical lamb. Spain have to show they are better on the pitch," said Conte, who will join Chelsea after the tournament. Spain will unleash striker Alvaro Morata, the competition's joint top scorer on three goals, on a solid Italian defence that he knows well from his just-completed two-year spell at Juventus. Italy will be without Antonio Candreva because of a groin injury, with Alessandro Florenzi likely to replace him on the right side of midfield. Chance of a lifetime England were spared the task of facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal when Iceland grabbed a last-gasp winner against Austria in their final group stage match. Iceland's population of 330,000 makes them the smallest nation ever to have qualified for a major tournament and they approach the game in Nice as underdogs. But the pressure is on England coach Roy Hodgson, who was criticised for weakening the side with six changes in the final group game against Slovakia which ended in a goalless stalemate. Finishing second in Group B behind Wales put England into the more difficult side of the draw and if they overcome Iceland they will have to face hosts France in the capital on Sunday. Hodgson has called the match in Nice (kickoff 1900 GMT) a "win or bust" clash and a defeat would call into question his future, but he has insisted he will not "beg" for his job. "I am prepared to carry on. It is different to wanting it. I'm prepared to carry on if the FA want me to," Hodgson said. "If they don't want me to, then my contract will have run out and that is how that will be. So I'm not begging for the job." England captain Rooney, who has yet to score at Euro 2016, said he is wary of an Iceland team that twice defeated the Netherlands in qualifying and held Portugal in their opening group game. "We're not going into this game showing a lack of respect for Iceland. We're showing full respect." Iceland's co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the game represents the opportunity of a lifetime for his players. "If we beat England, their lives will change forever, and significantly. Icelandic football will go up in reputation and the way we approach football will be different," he said. "But whichever way this goes, these players are winners already." Iceland have complained they have only been granted between 3,000 and 3,500 places in the 34,500-capacity Stade de Nice, but thousands of their fans invaded Nice where they were drinking and swapping chants with England fans before the match. (AFP)

Spain-Italy in 'early final', England eye quarters

<div style="text-align: justify;">Iceland defender Kari Arnason has responded angrily to Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s &quot;small mentality&quot; jibe after the 1-1 draw with Portugal at Euro 2016, saying that the Real Madrid star was no Lionel Messi. 
 
A visibly frustrated Ronaldo was furious at the defensive tactics of Iceland, the smallest country at the tournament, after Tuesday&#39;s Group F clash. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s a fantastic footballer, but he&#39;s not a gracious human being,&quot; Arnason was quoted as saying on The Guardian&#39;s website (www.theguardian.com). 
 
&quot;Obviously we&rsquo;re not going to create as many chances as a fantastic team like Portugal but his comments are the reason why Messi is always going to be one step ahead of him. You wouldn&rsquo;t expect Messi to say that. It shows we got under his skin.&quot; 
 
The defender added: &quot;It was lovely to hear that.&quot; 
 
Iceland take on Hungary in their next Group F game on Saturday, before ending their group stage campaign against Austria on June 22. 
 
(Reuters)</div>

Cristiano Ronaldo added: "It was lovely to hear that"

Iceland defender Kari Arnason has responded angrily to Cristiano Ronaldo's "small mentality" jibe after the 1-1 draw with Portugal at Euro 2016, saying that the Real Madrid star was no Lionel Messi. A visibly frustrated Ronaldo was furious at the defensive tactics of Iceland, the smallest country at the tournament, after Tuesday's Group F clash. "He's a fantastic footballer, but he's not a gracious human being," Arnason was quoted as saying on The Guardian's website (www.theguardian.com). "Obviously we’re not going to create as many chances as a fantastic team like Portugal but his comments are the reason why Messi is always going to be one step ahead of him. You wouldn’t expect Messi to say that. It shows we got under his skin." The defender added: "It was lovely to hear that." Iceland take on Hungary in their next Group F game on Saturday, before ending their group stage campaign against Austria on June 22. (Reuters)

Ronaldo is no Messi, counters Iceland's Arnason

Battling outsiders Iceland enjoyed a memorable big-stage debut as they clinched a shock 1-1 draw against Euro 2016 Group F favourites Portugal in a captivating match on Tuesday. 
 
It was a miserable evening for Portugal&#39;s top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo even though he equalled Luis Figo&#39;s record of 127 caps for his country. 
 
Iceland produced a typically industrious performance in their maiden appearance at a major tournament with winger Birkir Bjarnason cancelling out Nani&#39;s first-half opener. 
 
Although Portugal dominated for long spells, the result was no more than Iceland deserved. 
 
&quot;We should have scored more goals but we didn&#39;t and pragmatic Iceland took full advantage,&quot; Portugal coach Fernando Santos said in a news conference. 
 
&quot;It was by no means a brilliant performance by us. We have to move better between the lines and keep our focus in defence. 
 
&quot;Considering today&#39;s results, our next game against Austria could have a huge impact. I always said this was a complex group and I still think anything can happen,&quot; added Santos. 
 
With Hungary beating Austria 2-0 earlier, a fascinating battle for late-16 berths looms with Iceland taking on Hungary in their next game. 
 
A string of good saves by goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson, coupled with Ronaldo&#39;s wasteful finishing, was a significant factor for the Nordic nation who fulfilled their pre-match promise to show no nerves. 
 
They went close in the third minute when keeper Rui Patricio denied Gylfi Sigurdsson with a double stop, smothering the rebound after parrying the midfielder&#39;s first effort. 
 
Portugal eventually got into their stride but the final pass kept going astray in the opening 20 minutes, with Iceland&#39;s back four able to close down Ronaldo and Nani. 
 
PERFECT CROSS 
 
The pattern changed after Nani drew a superb reflex save from Halldorsson who kept out his close-range header after Ronaldo delivered a perfect cross from the left. 
 
Iceland saw little of the ball from there on as Ronaldo sent a looping header over the bar and then scuffed his shot straight at Halldorsson after a defence-splitting pass by Pepe. 
 
Portugal, who had 67 percent possession in the first half, made their dominance count after a sweeping one-two between Vieirinha and Andre Gomes on the right handed Nani a simple task to steer the ball home from seven metres. 
 
Roared on by their fans, Iceland equalised out of the blue in the 50th minute as Bjarnason swept in a teasing Johann Gudmundsson centre that caught out Vieirinha. 
 
It seemed to take the wind out of Portugal&#39;s sails, with Ronaldo looking short of pace, although Nani came close to restoring their lead after a glancing header sailed just wide. 
 
Halldorsson then stopped dangerous shots by Gomes and Raphael Guerreiro as well as a deflected Ricardo Quaresma effort before substitute Alfred Finnbogason almost grabbed what would have been a remarkable winner at the other end. 
 
Rui Patricio was barely able to palm away the striker&#39;s stinging drive from the edge of the penalty area as Portugal ended up running out of ideas. 
 
Iceland co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who shares the job with Swede Lars Lagerback, said the draw boosted his team&#39;s hopes of reaching the last 16. 
 
&quot;With a win against Hungary we&#39;d probably be almost there and holding the group&#39;s strongest team to a draw should be a massive confidence boost,&quot; he explained. 
 
&quot;Our defending was fantastic, we were well organised and worked really hard. It&#39;s difficult to single out any individual player as they all deserve credit for a stirring team effort. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s really good to have a point. We can go a little bit more relaxed into the next game,&quot; said Hallgrimsson. 
 
(Reuters)

Ronaldo equalled Luis Figo's record of 127 caps for his team, but that was pretty much it

Battling outsiders Iceland enjoyed a memorable big-stage debut as they clinched a shock 1-1 draw against Euro 2016 Group F favourites Portugal in a captivating match on Tuesday. It was a miserable evening for Portugal's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo even though he equalled Luis Figo's record of 127 caps for his country. Iceland produced a typically industrious performance in their maiden appearance at a major tournament with winger Birkir Bjarnason cancelling out Nani's first-half opener. Although Portugal dominated for long spells, the result was no more than Iceland deserved. "We should have scored more goals but we didn't and pragmatic Iceland took full advantage," Portugal coach Fernando Santos said in a news conference. "It was by no means a brilliant performance by us. We have to move better between the lines and keep our focus in defence. "Considering today's results, our next game against Austria could have a huge impact. I always said this was a complex group and I still think anything can happen," added Santos. With Hungary beating Austria 2-0 earlier, a fascinating battle for late-16 berths looms with Iceland taking on Hungary in their next game. A string of good saves by goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson, coupled with Ronaldo's wasteful finishing, was a significant factor for the Nordic nation who fulfilled their pre-match promise to show no nerves. They went close in the third minute when keeper Rui Patricio denied Gylfi Sigurdsson with a double stop, smothering the rebound after parrying the midfielder's first effort. Portugal eventually got into their stride but the final pass kept going astray in the opening 20 minutes, with Iceland's back four able to close down Ronaldo and Nani. PERFECT CROSS The pattern changed after Nani drew a superb reflex save from Halldorsson who kept out his close-range header after Ronaldo delivered a perfect cross from the left. Iceland saw little of the ball from there on as Ronaldo sent a looping header over the bar and then scuffed his shot straight at Halldorsson after a defence-splitting pass by Pepe. Portugal, who had 67 percent possession in the first half, made their dominance count after a sweeping one-two between Vieirinha and Andre Gomes on the right handed Nani a simple task to steer the ball home from seven metres. Roared on by their fans, Iceland equalised out of the blue in the 50th minute as Bjarnason swept in a teasing Johann Gudmundsson centre that caught out Vieirinha. It seemed to take the wind out of Portugal's sails, with Ronaldo looking short of pace, although Nani came close to restoring their lead after a glancing header sailed just wide. Halldorsson then stopped dangerous shots by Gomes and Raphael Guerreiro as well as a deflected Ricardo Quaresma effort before substitute Alfred Finnbogason almost grabbed what would have been a remarkable winner at the other end. Rui Patricio was barely able to palm away the striker's stinging drive from the edge of the penalty area as Portugal ended up running out of ideas. Iceland co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who shares the job with Swede Lars Lagerback, said the draw boosted his team's hopes of reaching the last 16. "With a win against Hungary we'd probably be almost there and holding the group's strongest team to a draw should be a massive confidence boost," he explained. "Our defending was fantastic, we were well organised and worked really hard. It's difficult to single out any individual player as they all deserve credit for a stirring team effort. "It's really good to have a point. We can go a little bit more relaxed into the next game," said Hallgrimsson. (Reuters)

Debutants Iceland hold Portugal to shock 1-1 draw

He has won it all at club level and has three world player of the year awards but on Sunday Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated as never before, with tears of joy streaming down his face after his Portugal beat France 1-0 to win the European Championship. 
 
Two hours earlier, there had been very different tears after he had been taken out of the game on a stretcher, just 25 minutes into the final at the Stade de France, his night over and his team left to fight on without their talisman. 
 
Portugal&rsquo;s triumph, thanks to a long-range goal in the second period of extra time by substitute striker Eder, was their first major trophy and will ease the memory of their painful loss to Greece in the Euro 2004 final, on home turf in Lisbon. 
 
A 19-year-old Ronaldo had played on the wing in that defeat and he must have wondered if he would ever get a chance to make amends. 
 
&quot;I am very happy. I have been looking for this for a long time, since 2004. I asked God for another chance at this because we deserved it,&rdquo; he told reporters. 
 
&ldquo;Today I was unfortunate, I was injured but I always believed that these players, together with the strategy, would be strong enough to beat France,&quot; the Real madrid forward added. 
 
&quot;This is one of the happiest moments in my career, I always said I&#39;d like to win something with Portugal. For me this is an amazing unique moment for all Portuguese.&quot; 
 
Ronaldo&rsquo;s career has been a glittering combination of individual brilliance, multiple success at club level and constant comparisons with the other great player of his generation, Barcelona&rsquo;s Argentine forward Lionel Messi. 
 
Messi has famously never won a major trophy with his country and just a few weeks ago announced he was quitting his national team after their latest disappointment -- a Copa America defeat on penalties to Chile, with Messi missing his spot-kick. 
 
Now to add to three Premier League titles and a Champions League win from his time with Manchester United, a Spanish league crown and two Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, Ronaldo has a major trophy with Portugal. 
 
He was right to credit his team mates and coach Fernando Santos&rsquo;s because while he may have been the man who got them to the final with his goal and assist in the last-four win over Wales, it was the squad who delivered his medal. 
 
&quot;It was tough to lose our main man,&rdquo; defender Pepe said. 
 
&ldquo;The man who could at any moment score a goal. He could make the difference but we were warriors on the pitch. We said we would win it for him and we managed to do that.&quot; &nbsp; 
 
Ronaldo had been on the field before extra time encouraging his team mates and goalscorer Eder said had made an impact. 
 
&ldquo;Cristiano told me I would be scoring the winning goal. He and all my team mates,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;He gave me strength and positive energy. And that goal was really important,&rdquo; he said. 
 
Ronaldo&rsquo;s critics have often pointed to his ego but Santos said his behaviour after suffering his injury had been exemplary.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Cristiano is an amazing example. Today he tried to remain on the pitch. He was very strong in the locker room, he helped all of the boys, that &#39;s the definition of teamwork.&rdquo; 
 
(Reuters)

He cried as he was stretchered off 24 minutes into the game, and again when he lifted the trophy

He has won it all at club level and has three world player of the year awards but on Sunday Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated as never before, with tears of joy streaming down his face after his Portugal beat France 1-0 to win the European Championship. Two hours earlier, there had been very different tears after he had been taken out of the game on a stretcher, just 25 minutes into the final at the Stade de France, his night over and his team left to fight on without their talisman. Portugal’s triumph, thanks to a long-range goal in the second period of extra time by substitute striker Eder, was their first major trophy and will ease the memory of their painful loss to Greece in the Euro 2004 final, on home turf in Lisbon. A 19-year-old Ronaldo had played on the wing in that defeat and he must have wondered if he would ever get a chance to make amends. "I am very happy. I have been looking for this for a long time, since 2004. I asked God for another chance at this because we deserved it,” he told reporters. “Today I was unfortunate, I was injured but I always believed that these players, together with the strategy, would be strong enough to beat France," the Real madrid forward added. "This is one of the happiest moments in my career, I always said I'd like to win something with Portugal. For me this is an amazing unique moment for all Portuguese." Ronaldo’s career has been a glittering combination of individual brilliance, multiple success at club level and constant comparisons with the other great player of his generation, Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi. Messi has famously never won a major trophy with his country and just a few weeks ago announced he was quitting his national team after their latest disappointment -- a Copa America defeat on penalties to Chile, with Messi missing his spot-kick. Now to add to three Premier League titles and a Champions League win from his time with Manchester United, a Spanish league crown and two Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, Ronaldo has a major trophy with Portugal. He was right to credit his team mates and coach Fernando Santos’s because while he may have been the man who got them to the final with his goal and assist in the last-four win over Wales, it was the squad who delivered his medal. "It was tough to lose our main man,” defender Pepe said. “The man who could at any moment score a goal. He could make the difference but we were warriors on the pitch. We said we would win it for him and we managed to do that." Ronaldo had been on the field before extra time encouraging his team mates and goalscorer Eder said had made an impact. “Cristiano told me I would be scoring the winning goal. He and all my team mates," he said. "He gave me strength and positive energy. And that goal was really important,” he said. Ronaldo’s critics have often pointed to his ego but Santos said his behaviour after suffering his injury had been exemplary. "Cristiano is an amazing example. Today he tried to remain on the pitch. He was very strong in the locker room, he helped all of the boys, that 's the definition of teamwork.” (Reuters)

The agony and the ecstasy (of Cristiano)

Hungary and Portugal reached the Euro 2016 knockout stages after a rip-roaring 3-3 draw in which Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice and became the first player to score at four European Championship finals on Wednesday 
 
The Portuguese came from behind three times as Ronaldo, who also set a tournament record of 17 appearances, finally rediscovered his touch to help Portugal make the last 16, where they will meet Croatia in Lens on Saturday. 
 
Group F winners Hungary finished above Iceland, who also qualified after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Austria in Paris, and third-placed Portugal. 
 
Hungary will play the Group E runners-up, which will be decided later on Wednesday between Belgium, Sweden and Ireland, while Iceland will face England. 
 
Ronaldo equalised twice in the second half after Zoltan Gera&#39;s early strike was cancelled out by Nani just before the break. Hungary captain Balazs Dzsudzsak had twice put his side ahead before Ronaldo burst into life with a double strike. 
 
(Reuters)

Ronaldo became the first player to score at four European championship finals in his 17th match in a Euro tournament

Hungary and Portugal reached the Euro 2016 knockout stages after a rip-roaring 3-3 draw in which Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice and became the first player to score at four European Championship finals on Wednesday The Portuguese came from behind three times as Ronaldo, who also set a tournament record of 17 appearances, finally rediscovered his touch to help Portugal make the last 16, where they will meet Croatia in Lens on Saturday. Group F winners Hungary finished above Iceland, who also qualified after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Austria in Paris, and third-placed Portugal. Hungary will play the Group E runners-up, which will be decided later on Wednesday between Belgium, Sweden and Ireland, while Iceland will face England. Ronaldo equalised twice in the second half after Zoltan Gera's early strike was cancelled out by Nani just before the break. Hungary captain Balazs Dzsudzsak had twice put his side ahead before Ronaldo burst into life with a double strike. (Reuters)

Hungary and Portugal reach knockout stages after thrilling 3-3 draw

Portugal&#39;s coach Fernando Santos will leave his final decision on team selection for the quarter-final clash against Poland until today morning because of injuries to at least two players, he told reporters. 
 
Speaking on the eve of the game in Marseille, Santos also said he viewed the two sides as evenly matched which could result in a tight, defensive contest. 
 
&quot;There are some players who aren&#39;t 100 per cent fit so we&#39;ll wait until tomorrow to ascertain whether they are entirely fit or not and if they can play or not,&quot; Santos said. 
 
&quot;Sometimes the players can recover and we still have 24 hours to go.&quot; 
 
Defender Raphael Guerreiro and midfielder Andre Gomes have not trained since Monday and on Wednesday were again not on the pitch with the rest of the squad. 
 
The two sides have met 10 times with their last encounter ending in a goalless draw in 2012 and the omens are that it could be another close game. 
 
Apart from a stunning bicycle kick goal by Switzerland&#39;s Xherdan Shaqiri, the Polish defence has not been breached. 
 
Portugal&#39;s last five European Championship ties have ended in draws after 90 minutes, although they scraped through against Croatia in the last 16 with a 117th minute winner. 
 
&quot;I think it&#39;s a 50-50 match. My players know that. They (Poland) are here on their own merit,&quot; Santos said. 
 
Asked if it could be similar to the Croatia clash, Santos lauded Poland&#39;s defensive unity and collective spirit. 
 
&quot;Of course, it will be a game of a lot of strategy. Sometimes there is a Gordion Knot that you can&#39;t untie,&quot; he said, referring to the mythological legend used as a metaphor for a difficult problem. 
 
&quot;There will be a strong strategic component to this game, because if you concede four goals nobody can ensure you can score five,&quot; he quipped. 
 
Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo struggled against Croatia producing one shot, but Santos defended his &quot;amazing&quot; captain. 
 
&quot;We want to strike a balance, of course. We want Ronaldo to shoot on target 15 times and score 10 goals, but our opponents won&#39;t let us and that&#39;s part of the game,&quot; Santos said. 
 
There have also been concerns over the Stade Velodrome pitch, but Santos, whose country lost to France in the 1984 European Championship semi-final in Marseille, said it looked better than expected. 
 
&quot;We&#39;ve thought about the match here in 1984, but we played against France so you can&#39;t compare the two. It&#39;s apples and oranges,&quot; he said. 
 
(Reuters)

The two sides have met 10 times with their last encounter ending in a goalless draw in 2012

Portugal's coach Fernando Santos will leave his final decision on team selection for the quarter-final clash against Poland until today morning because of injuries to at least two players, he told reporters. Speaking on the eve of the game in Marseille, Santos also said he viewed the two sides as evenly matched which could result in a tight, defensive contest. "There are some players who aren't 100 per cent fit so we'll wait until tomorrow to ascertain whether they are entirely fit or not and if they can play or not," Santos said. "Sometimes the players can recover and we still have 24 hours to go." Defender Raphael Guerreiro and midfielder Andre Gomes have not trained since Monday and on Wednesday were again not on the pitch with the rest of the squad. The two sides have met 10 times with their last encounter ending in a goalless draw in 2012 and the omens are that it could be another close game. Apart from a stunning bicycle kick goal by Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri, the Polish defence has not been breached. Portugal's last five European Championship ties have ended in draws after 90 minutes, although they scraped through against Croatia in the last 16 with a 117th minute winner. "I think it's a 50-50 match. My players know that. They (Poland) are here on their own merit," Santos said. Asked if it could be similar to the Croatia clash, Santos lauded Poland's defensive unity and collective spirit. "Of course, it will be a game of a lot of strategy. Sometimes there is a Gordion Knot that you can't untie," he said, referring to the mythological legend used as a metaphor for a difficult problem. "There will be a strong strategic component to this game, because if you concede four goals nobody can ensure you can score five," he quipped. Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo struggled against Croatia producing one shot, but Santos defended his "amazing" captain. "We want to strike a balance, of course. We want Ronaldo to shoot on target 15 times and score 10 goals, but our opponents won't let us and that's part of the game," Santos said. There have also been concerns over the Stade Velodrome pitch, but Santos, whose country lost to France in the 1984 European Championship semi-final in Marseille, said it looked better than expected. "We've thought about the match here in 1984, but we played against France so you can't compare the two. It's apples and oranges," he said. (Reuters)

Portugal sweating on injuries ahead of Poland clash

A close-range header from Portugal substitute Ricardo Quaresma secured a 1-0 win over Croatia after the game burst into life late in extra time on Saturday and set up a Euro 2016 quarter-final against Poland next week. 
 
Quaresma struck three minutes from the end of the extra period after a Cristiano Ronaldo shot was saved brilliantly by Danijel Subasic to settle the tie just a minute after Croatia&#39;s Ivan Perisic had hit the post with a header. 
 
Croatia almost snatched an equaliser at the death but Domagoj Vida hooked the ball agonisingly wide. 
 
Portugal coach Fernando Santos said: &quot;Both teams were here expecting to win every match, all the way to the final. This was a final. We won, and when you win you&#39;re lucky. Sometimes you don&#39;t win and you&#39;re unlucky. Today, we were the lucky ones.&quot; 
 
Croatia manager Ante Cacic added: &quot;We expected Portugal to counter and we were playing really well for 120 minutes, controlling the match, not conceding any chances except the last one that was our mistake and we were punished for that.&quot; 
 
There was some lovely one-touch play from both sides but plenty of passes also went astray in a tense, cagey last 16 game in which neither side managed to register a shot on target until Ronaldo&#39;s late effort led to the winning goal. 
 
Croatia were on top for most of the first half but Portugal had the first chance when Pepe headed Raphael Guerreiro&#39;s free kick over the bar after Ronaldo was tripped by Perisic. 
 
Perisic, who had a patch of his hair dyed to match the red-and-white checked pattern of his shirt, then cut in from the right but he dragged his shot outside the near post. 
 
Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic returned from injury for Croatia, with Mandzukic spurning an excellent first-half chance when he headed Dario Srna&#39;s corner wide of the target. 
 
With Mandzukic on his own up front and Nani and Ronaldo shackled, neither side could break the deadlock and a smattering of boos and whistles were heard at the halftime whistle. 
 
Wasteful Finishing 
 
Croatia continued to dominate possession after the break, but their wasteful finishing continued as Marcelo Brozovic narrowly failed to connect with Ivan Strinic&#39;s cross and then followed up by blazing over from the resulting corner. 
 
Substitute Renato Sanches registered Portugal&#39;s first shot of the second half when he broke forward and played a one-two with Joao Mario but steered the ball wide of the target. 
 
Croatia centre-back Vida then had a glorious chance to give his side the lead on the hour but headed wide with the goal at his mercy and Mandzukic lurking behind him. 
 
Earning his 100th cap, Nani had a penalty appeal turned down when he went sprawling in the box under pressure from Strinic. 
 
Ronaldo did not fare much better and, despite occasional flashes of skill, he was kept quiet for most of the game. 
 
The match finished scoreless and went into extra time with Nikola Kalinic, who replaced Mandzukic, blasting a shot wide halfway through the first period. 
 
Croatia still looked livelier and Vida was frustrated again as he headed another corner just over with Portugal keeper Rui Patricio stranded after coming out for the cross. 
 
Perisic flashed the ball across the goal and then saw a header come back off the post before Portugal countered and Ronaldo&#39;s shot was parried into the path of Quaresma who scored. 
 
Croatia poured forward in search of an equaliser and Vida made it a hat-trick of misses as he hooked the ball wide leaving Portugal to go through to face Poland in Marseille on Thursday. 
 
(Reuters)

He struck three minutes from the end of the extra period after a Cristiano shot was saved brilliantly by Danijel Subasic

A close-range header from Portugal substitute Ricardo Quaresma secured a 1-0 win over Croatia after the game burst into life late in extra time on Saturday and set up a Euro 2016 quarter-final against Poland next week. Quaresma struck three minutes from the end of the extra period after a Cristiano Ronaldo shot was saved brilliantly by Danijel Subasic to settle the tie just a minute after Croatia's Ivan Perisic had hit the post with a header. Croatia almost snatched an equaliser at the death but Domagoj Vida hooked the ball agonisingly wide. Portugal coach Fernando Santos said: "Both teams were here expecting to win every match, all the way to the final. This was a final. We won, and when you win you're lucky. Sometimes you don't win and you're unlucky. Today, we were the lucky ones." Croatia manager Ante Cacic added: "We expected Portugal to counter and we were playing really well for 120 minutes, controlling the match, not conceding any chances except the last one that was our mistake and we were punished for that." There was some lovely one-touch play from both sides but plenty of passes also went astray in a tense, cagey last 16 game in which neither side managed to register a shot on target until Ronaldo's late effort led to the winning goal. Croatia were on top for most of the first half but Portugal had the first chance when Pepe headed Raphael Guerreiro's free kick over the bar after Ronaldo was tripped by Perisic. Perisic, who had a patch of his hair dyed to match the red-and-white checked pattern of his shirt, then cut in from the right but he dragged his shot outside the near post. Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic returned from injury for Croatia, with Mandzukic spurning an excellent first-half chance when he headed Dario Srna's corner wide of the target. With Mandzukic on his own up front and Nani and Ronaldo shackled, neither side could break the deadlock and a smattering of boos and whistles were heard at the halftime whistle. Wasteful Finishing Croatia continued to dominate possession after the break, but their wasteful finishing continued as Marcelo Brozovic narrowly failed to connect with Ivan Strinic's cross and then followed up by blazing over from the resulting corner. Substitute Renato Sanches registered Portugal's first shot of the second half when he broke forward and played a one-two with Joao Mario but steered the ball wide of the target. Croatia centre-back Vida then had a glorious chance to give his side the lead on the hour but headed wide with the goal at his mercy and Mandzukic lurking behind him. Earning his 100th cap, Nani had a penalty appeal turned down when he went sprawling in the box under pressure from Strinic. Ronaldo did not fare much better and, despite occasional flashes of skill, he was kept quiet for most of the game. The match finished scoreless and went into extra time with Nikola Kalinic, who replaced Mandzukic, blasting a shot wide halfway through the first period. Croatia still looked livelier and Vida was frustrated again as he headed another corner just over with Portugal keeper Rui Patricio stranded after coming out for the cross. Perisic flashed the ball across the goal and then saw a header come back off the post before Portugal countered and Ronaldo's shot was parried into the path of Quaresma who scored. Croatia poured forward in search of an equaliser and Vida made it a hat-trick of misses as he hooked the ball wide leaving Portugal to go through to face Poland in Marseille on Thursday. (Reuters)

Quaresma late goal takes Portugal into Euro quarters

The Portuguese football team led by Cristiano Ronaldo returned home to a heroes welcome today after their upset triumph over France in the Euro 2016 final. 
 
Tens of thousands of fans waited for the team at Lisbon airport when their special flight arrived. There have been joyous nationwide celebrations since the 1-0 win at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday night. 
 
Two airport fire trucks sprayed jets of water in the green and red national colours as the the plane taxied to the terminal. 
 
Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos were first to emerge from the plane with the trophy. 
 
Man-of-the-match defender Pepe carried the prize down the steps, where the 23-man squad boarded an open-top bus to start a victory parade for the country&#39;s first major international football honour. 
 
After meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the bus was to take Ronaldo and his fellow-conquerors on a tour of the capital. 
 
(AFP)

Tens of thousands of fans waited for the team at Lisbon airport, the city was one huge party pad

The Portuguese football team led by Cristiano Ronaldo returned home to a heroes welcome today after their upset triumph over France in the Euro 2016 final. Tens of thousands of fans waited for the team at Lisbon airport when their special flight arrived. There have been joyous nationwide celebrations since the 1-0 win at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday night. Two airport fire trucks sprayed jets of water in the green and red national colours as the the plane taxied to the terminal. Ronaldo and coach Fernando Santos were first to emerge from the plane with the trophy. Man-of-the-match defender Pepe carried the prize down the steps, where the 23-man squad boarded an open-top bus to start a victory parade for the country's first major international football honour. After meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the bus was to take Ronaldo and his fellow-conquerors on a tour of the capital. (AFP)

Lisbon welcomes its Europe-conquering heroes in style

The European Commission on Thursday officially declared Spain and Portugal in violation of the EU rules on government overspending, the first step towards unprecedented penalties against members of the 28-country bloc. 
 
&quot;The Commission confirms that Spain and Portugal will not correct their excessive deficits by the recommended deadline,&quot; the EU&#39;s executive arm said in a statement. 
 
If endorsed by the EU&#39;s finance ministers, the commission is then legally obliged to propose fines against the two neighbouring countries, which were both hit hard by the financial crisis. 
 
&quot;Lately, the two countries have veered off track in the correction of their excessive deficits and have not met their budgetary targets,&quot; said Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commission&#39;s vice-president in charge of the Euro. 
 
&quot;We stand ready to work together with the Spanish and Portuguese authorities to define the best path ahead,&quot; he said. 
 
Many EU powers led by Germany have long hoped for the commission to finally crack down on public overspenders, but with populist fires burning after the Brexit vote, ministers meeting in Brussels on Tuesday could decide to delay their immediate endorsement. 
 
&quot;There is uncertainty creeping in light of the UK vote result,&quot; an EU diplomat told AFP. 
 
France and Italy will be the most willing to delay the penalty process, fearing that their own years of EU rule breaking would put them next in line for a sanction by Brussels. 
 
Ahead of the commission announcement, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa warned that Brussels would foster a rise in euroscepticism in Portugal if EU sanctions are applied. 
 
In a letter to the European Commission, Costa cited &quot;the results of the UK referendum and its impact on the European Union&quot; as reasons why the Commission should refrain from full implementation of the rules. 
 
(AFP)

It's the first step towards the imposition of unprecedented penalties

The European Commission on Thursday officially declared Spain and Portugal in violation of the EU rules on government overspending, the first step towards unprecedented penalties against members of the 28-country bloc. "The Commission confirms that Spain and Portugal will not correct their excessive deficits by the recommended deadline," the EU's executive arm said in a statement. If endorsed by the EU's finance ministers, the commission is then legally obliged to propose fines against the two neighbouring countries, which were both hit hard by the financial crisis. "Lately, the two countries have veered off track in the correction of their excessive deficits and have not met their budgetary targets," said Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU Commission's vice-president in charge of the Euro. "We stand ready to work together with the Spanish and Portuguese authorities to define the best path ahead," he said. Many EU powers led by Germany have long hoped for the commission to finally crack down on public overspenders, but with populist fires burning after the Brexit vote, ministers meeting in Brussels on Tuesday could decide to delay their immediate endorsement. "There is uncertainty creeping in light of the UK vote result," an EU diplomat told AFP. France and Italy will be the most willing to delay the penalty process, fearing that their own years of EU rule breaking would put them next in line for a sanction by Brussels. Ahead of the commission announcement, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa warned that Brussels would foster a rise in euroscepticism in Portugal if EU sanctions are applied. In a letter to the European Commission, Costa cited "the results of the UK referendum and its impact on the European Union" as reasons why the Commission should refrain from full implementation of the rules. (AFP)

EU declares Spain and Portugal in violation of deficit rules

Hal Robson-Kanu put Wales into a major tournament semi-final for the first time in their history with a superb goal on Friday but he has a challenge beyond facing Portugal -- finding a new club. 
 
On the day his contract expired at English second-tier club Reading, the 27-year-old striker got a boost for a CV that a month ago looked like taking him nowhere fast as he battled an ankle injury to even make the Euro 2016 squad. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve been at Reading for 12 years, have given them a lot of service and have been very loyal,&quot; Robson-Kanu, who got Wales&#39; second goal in a shock 3-1 win over Belgium, told reporters of his decision to quit the team that signed him as a schoolboy. 
 
&quot;During the course of the season, I&#39;ve made the decision to run my contract down and take my future into my own hands,&quot; he said, adding that a move would be good for his family&#39;s future. 
 
That future can surely take him to grander surroundings than Reading&#39;s Madejski Stadium. 
 
Robson-Kanu saved the day as he braved early Belgian onslaught&nbsp; 
 
Robson- Kanu was man of the match on Friday for a performance that included a Cruyff-like shimmy with his back to goal that opened up the space for him to give Wales a 2-1 lead in the second half after they had gone behind in an early Belgian onslaught. 
 
&quot;The ball&#39;s coming to my feet,&quot; the matter-of-fact Londoner said of the cross he received from Aaron Ramsey. &quot;I was able to turn in the box and put it in the back of the net,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
Wales coach Chris Coleman had nothing but praise for a player who a month ago looked as if he wasn&#39;t going to make it to France after a late ankle injury put him in doubt. 
 
After a battle to get fit, Robson-Kanu repaid Coleman&#39;s confidence, scoring the late winner in a 2-1 group victory over Slovakia that set the dark horses on their way. 
 
&quot;I was delighted he got the goal because he nearly didn&#39;t make the tournament,&quot; Coleman said and added, &quot;He worked his socks off to get into shape ... Hal was up for everything.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;He was looking for a battle. He&#39;s a defender&#39;s nightmare,&quot; the Wales Coach asserted.&nbsp; 
 
His next stop is a date with Portugal stopper Pepe in Lyon on Wednesday when Robson-Kanu thinks the Welsh can continue their dream run and reach the final in Paris. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp; 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Hal Robson-Kanu's contract with English second-tier club Reading has expired, he is now sans club

Hal Robson-Kanu put Wales into a major tournament semi-final for the first time in their history with a superb goal on Friday but he has a challenge beyond facing Portugal -- finding a new club. On the day his contract expired at English second-tier club Reading, the 27-year-old striker got a boost for a CV that a month ago looked like taking him nowhere fast as he battled an ankle injury to even make the Euro 2016 squad. "I've been at Reading for 12 years, have given them a lot of service and have been very loyal," Robson-Kanu, who got Wales' second goal in a shock 3-1 win over Belgium, told reporters of his decision to quit the team that signed him as a schoolboy. "During the course of the season, I've made the decision to run my contract down and take my future into my own hands," he said, adding that a move would be good for his family's future. That future can surely take him to grander surroundings than Reading's Madejski Stadium. Robson-Kanu saved the day as he braved early Belgian onslaught Robson- Kanu was man of the match on Friday for a performance that included a Cruyff-like shimmy with his back to goal that opened up the space for him to give Wales a 2-1 lead in the second half after they had gone behind in an early Belgian onslaught. "The ball's coming to my feet," the matter-of-fact Londoner said of the cross he received from Aaron Ramsey. "I was able to turn in the box and put it in the back of the net," he added. Wales coach Chris Coleman had nothing but praise for a player who a month ago looked as if he wasn't going to make it to France after a late ankle injury put him in doubt. After a battle to get fit, Robson-Kanu repaid Coleman's confidence, scoring the late winner in a 2-1 group victory over Slovakia that set the dark horses on their way. "I was delighted he got the goal because he nearly didn't make the tournament," Coleman said and added, "He worked his socks off to get into shape ... Hal was up for everything." "He was looking for a battle. He's a defender's nightmare," the Wales Coach asserted. His next stop is a date with Portugal stopper Pepe in Lyon on Wednesday when Robson-Kanu thinks the Welsh can continue their dream run and reach the final in Paris. (Reuters)

Now that he's got the job done, he needs a job

Wales produced a stunning upset to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals after Hal Robson-Kanu&#39;s superbly fashioned goal and Sam Vokes&#39;s late header secured a 3-1 comeback win over Belgium on Friday to set up a clash with Portugal. 
 
Robson-Kanu left three Belgium players for dead with a &#39;Cruyff&#39; turn and calmly stroked the ball home to put Wales ahead in the second half, while substitute Vokes&#39;s header ensured they reached their first major tournament semi-final. 
 
It was a crushing blow for heavy favourites Belgium, who had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan rifled a shot into the top corner from distance only for Wales captain Ashley Williams to level with a header from a corner. 
 
&quot;I said before we kicked the ball today, we&#39;re not here to enjoy it, we are here to compete,&quot; Wales manager Chris Coleman said. 
 
&quot;Don&#39;t be afraid to have dreams. Four years ago I was as far away from this as you could imagine. I&#39;ve had more failures than successes but I&#39;m not afraid to fail. We deserve this,&quot; he added saying.&nbsp; 
 
World&#39;s two most expensive players pitted against each-other in semi-finals&nbsp; 
 
Wales, playing in their first quarter-final, and major tournament, since losing to Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, next have a match that pits the world&#39;s two most expensive players -- Portugal&#39;s Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team mate Gareth Bale -- against each other in a mouth-watering clash. 
 
Coleman&#39;s side, however, will have to cope without their inspirational midfielder Aaron Ramsey and defender Ben Davies who both picked up bookings that ruled them out of the semi-final in Lyon on Wednesday. 
 
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was left to rue an injury and suspension in defence that robbed him of the experienced Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen as their younger replacements, Jordan Lukaku and Jason Denayer, were frequently exposed. 
 
The manner of the defeat, however, is likely to increase the scrutiny on Wilmots, who has faced criticism for failing to make the most of what many believe to be a golden generation of Belgium players. 
 
&quot;This Belgian team is a team that demands respect, but we let things go a bit today and we paid for that in cash,&quot; he said, before adding he would take time to consider his future. 
 
A frenetic opening followed a nail-biting match&nbsp; 
 
There was a frenetic opening to Friday&#39;s match, which many had predicted would be a cagey encounter, as Belgium took the early initiative and would have grabbed the lead after seven minutes but for some superb last-ditch Wales defending. 
 
Wayne Hennessey saved superbly from Yannick Carrasco before efforts from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard were blocked by lunging defenders as Wales, looking to talisman Bale for an outlet, sought to stem the early Belgian tide. 
 
The Welsh were undone, however, when Nainggolan&#39;s powerful shot from 25 metres thundered past Hennessey&#39;s outstretched fingers into the top corner to give Belgium the lead. 
 
Strangely, the goal swung the momentum back in Wales&#39;s favour, with Coleman&#39;s side fluffing a chance to level when Neil Taylor sidefooted at keeper Thibaut Courtois from six metres. 
 
The equaliser arrived five minutes later in the 31st minute, though, and was clearly crafted on the training ground. Having won a corner, Wales&#39;s players lined up behind each other, before breaking from the pack as Aaron Ramsey whipped the ball in. 
 
Wales captain Williams, who had recovered from a shoulder injury to make the starting lineup, found himself unmarked to head down and past Courtois for the first goal the Belgium keeper had conceded since their opening defeat by Italy. 
 
While Belgium began the second half stronger, with Romelu Lukaku glancing a header wide and Hazard flashing a shot just past the post, it was not long before Wales struck again with Robson-Kanu producing a sublime piece of individual skill. 
 
Ramsey&#39;s cross found the striker in the area with his back to goal but he sold three Belgium players a dummy with a trademark &#39;Cruyff&#39; turn and then sidefooted the ball powerfully past the helpless Courtois in the 55th minute. 
 
Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser but Wales were resilient and then broke with four minutes remaining as Chris Gunter crossed for Vokes to leap and angle his header across goal into the net, sparking wild Welsh celebrations. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

The Belgians scored first in the thirteenth minute

Wales produced a stunning upset to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals after Hal Robson-Kanu's superbly fashioned goal and Sam Vokes's late header secured a 3-1 comeback win over Belgium on Friday to set up a clash with Portugal. Robson-Kanu left three Belgium players for dead with a 'Cruyff' turn and calmly stroked the ball home to put Wales ahead in the second half, while substitute Vokes's header ensured they reached their first major tournament semi-final. It was a crushing blow for heavy favourites Belgium, who had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Radja Nainggolan rifled a shot into the top corner from distance only for Wales captain Ashley Williams to level with a header from a corner. "I said before we kicked the ball today, we're not here to enjoy it, we are here to compete," Wales manager Chris Coleman said. "Don't be afraid to have dreams. Four years ago I was as far away from this as you could imagine. I've had more failures than successes but I'm not afraid to fail. We deserve this," he added saying. World's two most expensive players pitted against each-other in semi-finals Wales, playing in their first quarter-final, and major tournament, since losing to Brazil at the 1958 World Cup, next have a match that pits the world's two most expensive players -- Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team mate Gareth Bale -- against each other in a mouth-watering clash. Coleman's side, however, will have to cope without their inspirational midfielder Aaron Ramsey and defender Ben Davies who both picked up bookings that ruled them out of the semi-final in Lyon on Wednesday. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was left to rue an injury and suspension in defence that robbed him of the experienced Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen as their younger replacements, Jordan Lukaku and Jason Denayer, were frequently exposed. The manner of the defeat, however, is likely to increase the scrutiny on Wilmots, who has faced criticism for failing to make the most of what many believe to be a golden generation of Belgium players. "This Belgian team is a team that demands respect, but we let things go a bit today and we paid for that in cash," he said, before adding he would take time to consider his future. A frenetic opening followed a nail-biting match There was a frenetic opening to Friday's match, which many had predicted would be a cagey encounter, as Belgium took the early initiative and would have grabbed the lead after seven minutes but for some superb last-ditch Wales defending. Wayne Hennessey saved superbly from Yannick Carrasco before efforts from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard were blocked by lunging defenders as Wales, looking to talisman Bale for an outlet, sought to stem the early Belgian tide. The Welsh were undone, however, when Nainggolan's powerful shot from 25 metres thundered past Hennessey's outstretched fingers into the top corner to give Belgium the lead. Strangely, the goal swung the momentum back in Wales's favour, with Coleman's side fluffing a chance to level when Neil Taylor sidefooted at keeper Thibaut Courtois from six metres. The equaliser arrived five minutes later in the 31st minute, though, and was clearly crafted on the training ground. Having won a corner, Wales's players lined up behind each other, before breaking from the pack as Aaron Ramsey whipped the ball in. Wales captain Williams, who had recovered from a shoulder injury to make the starting lineup, found himself unmarked to head down and past Courtois for the first goal the Belgium keeper had conceded since their opening defeat by Italy. While Belgium began the second half stronger, with Romelu Lukaku glancing a header wide and Hazard flashing a shot just past the post, it was not long before Wales struck again with Robson-Kanu producing a sublime piece of individual skill. Ramsey's cross found the striker in the area with his back to goal but he sold three Belgium players a dummy with a trademark 'Cruyff' turn and then sidefooted the ball powerfully past the helpless Courtois in the 55th minute. Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser but Wales were resilient and then broke with four minutes remaining as Chris Gunter crossed for Vokes to leap and angle his header across goal into the net, sparking wild Welsh celebrations. (Reuters)

Wales beat favourites Belgium 3-1, will meet Portugal in the semis

Portugal substitute Ricardo Quaresma, keeper Rui Patricio and 18-year-old midfield sensation Renato Sanches emerged as the heroes as Portugal beat Poland 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals on Thursday. 
 
Patricio dived full length to block Jakub Blaszczykowski&#39;s penalty, Poland&#39;s fourth, allowing substitute Quaresma, whose goal late in extra-time beat Croatia in the round of 16, to bang in Portugal&#39;s fifth in the shootout. 
 
Two hours earlier, Robert Lewandowski put Poland ahead with a second minute strike only for teenager Sanches to equalise with a superb shot 33 minutes into his first international start. 
 
Precious little happened from then on but Portugal, beaten on penalties by Spain in the semi-finals four years ago, will not care as they advance to the last four at the Euros for the fourth time in five tournaments to face Belgium or Wales. 
 
&quot;The goal was an amazing moment. I&#39;m happy to be man of the match again, but the individual comes after the team,&quot; said Sanches, who also scored the second shootout penalty. 
 
Cristiano Ronaldo, who four years ago did not get to take his planned spot kick when he was fifth in line as Portugal lost to eventual winners Spain, went first this time. 
 
Joao Moutinho and Nani also scored confidently from the spot before Patricio swung things Portugal&#39;s way with his fine save and Quaresma applied the coup de grace.&nbsp; 
 
But this defeat hurts: Poland coach 
 
Poland had converted all five of their penalties in knocking out Switzerland in the last round, also after a 1-1 draw, but could not repeat the feat. 
 
&quot;The players put a lot of heart into this match and played bravely throughout this tournament and this defeat hurts,&quot; said Poland coach Adam Nawalka. 
 
&quot;We haven&#39;t lost a match at the tournament - we were knocked out on penalties. We&#39;ve moved forward - this tournament has proved that. We played some very good football but this defeat hurts,&rdquo; the coach added.&nbsp; 
 
An all-action first half followed by 75 minutes of inaction 
 
It was a somewhat strange encounter, with an all-action first half followed by 75 minutes of inaction. 
 
Poland went ahead when Portugal defender Cedric&rsquo;s misjudgement allowed a long ball to bounce over his head to Kamil Grosicki. He drove on down the left and squared for Lewandowski to guide the ball in.&nbsp; 
 
It was the striker&#39;s first goal of the tournament and, at one minute 40 seconds, the second-fastest in European Championship history after Dmitri Kirichenko&#39;s for Russia against Greece after 65 seconds in 2004 
 
Poland looked the more confident team for the next 20 minutes but failed to press home their advantage as Portugal settled and began to make inroads. 
 
The Portuguese levelled when Sanches, due to join Lewandowski at Bayern Munich after the Euros, played a neat 1-2 with Nani and found time to shift the ball onto his left foot at the edge of the box and smash it past Lukasz Fabianski. 
 
Both sides came out for the second half seemingly under instruction to slow things down and the life bled from the game. 
 
 
When near-64,000 crowd was drugged into a drowsy-near silence&nbsp; 
 
The only clear chance of the half came in the 85th when substitute Moutinho lobbed a clever pass for Ronaldo who, having taken the time to glance at the keeper&rsquo;s positioning, failed to make any contact on the dropping ball with the goal gaping. 
 
Little changed in the additional 30 minutes, with the near-64,000 crowd drugged into a drowsy-near silence, seemingly knowing what was afoot almost from the restart. 
 
Portugal have failed to win any of their five games here in 90 minutes, having drawn three group matches and beaten Croatia in extra time but midfielder Sanches, on the greatest day of his fledgling career, was in no mood to apologise. 
 
&quot;It takes a lot of hard work to be this lucky,&quot; he said. &quot;People criticise us but we don&#39;t care because in the end we are in the semis.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

The game was described as a 'strange encounter', with an all-action first half followed by 75 minutes of inaction

Portugal substitute Ricardo Quaresma, keeper Rui Patricio and 18-year-old midfield sensation Renato Sanches emerged as the heroes as Portugal beat Poland 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the Euro 2016 semi-finals on Thursday. Patricio dived full length to block Jakub Blaszczykowski's penalty, Poland's fourth, allowing substitute Quaresma, whose goal late in extra-time beat Croatia in the round of 16, to bang in Portugal's fifth in the shootout. Two hours earlier, Robert Lewandowski put Poland ahead with a second minute strike only for teenager Sanches to equalise with a superb shot 33 minutes into his first international start. Precious little happened from then on but Portugal, beaten on penalties by Spain in the semi-finals four years ago, will not care as they advance to the last four at the Euros for the fourth time in five tournaments to face Belgium or Wales. "The goal was an amazing moment. I'm happy to be man of the match again, but the individual comes after the team," said Sanches, who also scored the second shootout penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo, who four years ago did not get to take his planned spot kick when he was fifth in line as Portugal lost to eventual winners Spain, went first this time. Joao Moutinho and Nani also scored confidently from the spot before Patricio swung things Portugal's way with his fine save and Quaresma applied the coup de grace. But this defeat hurts: Poland coach Poland had converted all five of their penalties in knocking out Switzerland in the last round, also after a 1-1 draw, but could not repeat the feat. "The players put a lot of heart into this match and played bravely throughout this tournament and this defeat hurts," said Poland coach Adam Nawalka. "We haven't lost a match at the tournament - we were knocked out on penalties. We've moved forward - this tournament has proved that. We played some very good football but this defeat hurts,” the coach added. An all-action first half followed by 75 minutes of inaction It was a somewhat strange encounter, with an all-action first half followed by 75 minutes of inaction. Poland went ahead when Portugal defender Cedric’s misjudgement allowed a long ball to bounce over his head to Kamil Grosicki. He drove on down the left and squared for Lewandowski to guide the ball in. It was the striker's first goal of the tournament and, at one minute 40 seconds, the second-fastest in European Championship history after Dmitri Kirichenko's for Russia against Greece after 65 seconds in 2004 Poland looked the more confident team for the next 20 minutes but failed to press home their advantage as Portugal settled and began to make inroads. The Portuguese levelled when Sanches, due to join Lewandowski at Bayern Munich after the Euros, played a neat 1-2 with Nani and found time to shift the ball onto his left foot at the edge of the box and smash it past Lukasz Fabianski. Both sides came out for the second half seemingly under instruction to slow things down and the life bled from the game. When near-64,000 crowd was drugged into a drowsy-near silence The only clear chance of the half came in the 85th when substitute Moutinho lobbed a clever pass for Ronaldo who, having taken the time to glance at the keeper’s positioning, failed to make any contact on the dropping ball with the goal gaping. Little changed in the additional 30 minutes, with the near-64,000 crowd drugged into a drowsy-near silence, seemingly knowing what was afoot almost from the restart. Portugal have failed to win any of their five games here in 90 minutes, having drawn three group matches and beaten Croatia in extra time but midfielder Sanches, on the greatest day of his fledgling career, was in no mood to apologise. "It takes a lot of hard work to be this lucky," he said. "People criticise us but we don't care because in the end we are in the semis." (Reuters)

Portugal beat Poland 5-3 on penalties, are first team to get into Euro semi-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo slammed minnows Iceland for proverbially `parking the bus` in front of their goal as the north Atlantic Islanders held Group F favourites Portugal to a 1-1 draw.&nbsp; 
Real Madrid ace Ronaldo had ten of Portugal`s 24 shots on goal in Saint Etienne on Tuesday, but failed to become the first man to score in four separate European Championships. 
The 31-year-old equalled Luis Figo`s record number of caps with both the Portugal legends now on 127 appearances. 
A superb finish by Nani gave Portugal the lead before Iceland`s industrious midfielder Birkir Bjarnason volleyed the equaliser. 
But Ronaldo stormed off after the final whistle, clearly frustrated by his own failure in front of goal, while Iceland scored by converting one of only four chances. 
Iceland`s dogged defence was capped by an outstanding display from Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson.&quot;It was difficult over the 90 minutes, because they scored one goal and that was after they had put every player behind the ball,&quot; fumed Ronaldo. 
&quot;They put the bus in the net. (Parked the bus in front of goal). 
&quot;We tried our best, we created many chances and kept the ball. 
&quot;Iceland didn`t try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, they had two chances and scored a goal, it was a lucky night for them. 
&quot;We`re frustrated, they didn`t try and play. 
&quot;It`s why I think they will do nothing here. In my opinion, it`s a small mentality. 
&quot;It`s difficult when Portugal tries to win the game and the other team doesn`t.&quot; 
Portugal are now under pressure in their second game against Austria, who earlier lost their opening match 2-0 to Hungary in the other pool match in Bordeaux. 
But Ronaldo is confident of victory in Paris on Saturday. 
&quot;It`s a little bit of frustration for us, but this is just the beginning, we`re not worried about that,&quot; said the former Manchester United star. 
&quot;If you look at Spain and France, they are strong teams in the tournament and they had difficulties winning their first game. 
&quot;It was tough, but we are 100 percent confident we`re going to win the next game.&quot; 
Ronaldo was not the only Portugal forward to feel the effects of a lack of finishing. 
&quot;We had enough chances, but we couldn`t score another one,&quot; added Nani, who also used to grace Old Trafford. 
&quot;It`s only the first game and we have to win our next two games. 
&quot;We were on top, we were the better team and we played the better football, but Iceland are a good team and played a lot of long balls, which caused us problems. That`s football. 
&quot;We`ve shown we are a good team, but this was the first game, there was a lot of anxiety. I think we will relax more from now, but we have to score more.&quot; 
Portugal boss Fernando Santos lamented Nani`s first-half header which smashed off the boot of Iceland goalkeeper Halldorsson. 
&quot;Nani`s header was blocked by their goalkeeper, who still doesn`t know how he did it, that`s football,&quot; said the Portugal manager 
&quot;We could have done better in defending the cross which led for their goal, but this was the first game, there were a few nerves and we need to play better for the next two games.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

After which he refuses to shake hands with any of the Icleandic players

Cristiano Ronaldo slammed minnows Iceland for proverbially `parking the bus` in front of their goal as the north Atlantic Islanders held Group F favourites Portugal to a 1-1 draw. Real Madrid ace Ronaldo had ten of Portugal`s 24 shots on goal in Saint Etienne on Tuesday, but failed to become the first man to score in four separate European Championships. The 31-year-old equalled Luis Figo`s record number of caps with both the Portugal legends now on 127 appearances. A superb finish by Nani gave Portugal the lead before Iceland`s industrious midfielder Birkir Bjarnason volleyed the equaliser. But Ronaldo stormed off after the final whistle, clearly frustrated by his own failure in front of goal, while Iceland scored by converting one of only four chances. Iceland`s dogged defence was capped by an outstanding display from Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson."It was difficult over the 90 minutes, because they scored one goal and that was after they had put every player behind the ball," fumed Ronaldo. "They put the bus in the net. (Parked the bus in front of goal). "We tried our best, we created many chances and kept the ball. "Iceland didn`t try nothing, they just defend, defend, defend, they had two chances and scored a goal, it was a lucky night for them. "We`re frustrated, they didn`t try and play. "It`s why I think they will do nothing here. In my opinion, it`s a small mentality. "It`s difficult when Portugal tries to win the game and the other team doesn`t." Portugal are now under pressure in their second game against Austria, who earlier lost their opening match 2-0 to Hungary in the other pool match in Bordeaux. But Ronaldo is confident of victory in Paris on Saturday. "It`s a little bit of frustration for us, but this is just the beginning, we`re not worried about that," said the former Manchester United star. "If you look at Spain and France, they are strong teams in the tournament and they had difficulties winning their first game. "It was tough, but we are 100 percent confident we`re going to win the next game." Ronaldo was not the only Portugal forward to feel the effects of a lack of finishing. "We had enough chances, but we couldn`t score another one," added Nani, who also used to grace Old Trafford. "It`s only the first game and we have to win our next two games. "We were on top, we were the better team and we played the better football, but Iceland are a good team and played a lot of long balls, which caused us problems. That`s football. "We`ve shown we are a good team, but this was the first game, there was a lot of anxiety. I think we will relax more from now, but we have to score more." Portugal boss Fernando Santos lamented Nani`s first-half header which smashed off the boot of Iceland goalkeeper Halldorsson. "Nani`s header was blocked by their goalkeeper, who still doesn`t know how he did it, that`s football," said the Portugal manager "We could have done better in defending the cross which led for their goal, but this was the first game, there were a few nerves and we need to play better for the next two games." (AFP)

Ronaldo whines about Iceland 'parking the bus' in front of goal, then accuses them of having a 'small mentality'

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