Euro 2016: 5 mistakes that cost France the final

The French had been the most dominant team of Euro 16, but somehow on the day of the final they came up short and let the crown slip away from their grasp. This despite the fact that Portugal‘s star player Cristiano Ronaldo had limped off the field early in the first half.

Let’s breakdown the reasons that led to France‘s surprise defeat.

Antoine Griezmann’s off day

France ‘s run up to the final had been all about the impressive Antoine Griezmann, the Atletico Madrid forward had scored 5 goals in the last three games and was in red hot form. But on the big day it seemed the nerves had got the better of him, as he missed two very good chances to put France ahead in either halves.

Even his link up play with Giroud which had been great so far in the tournament, was a letdown as France struggled to break down a resolute Portuguese defense.