"We were focused in trying to win the game" - Ex-Portugal star says Cristiano Ronaldo didn't inspire team to win Euro 2016 from the sidelines
Former Portugal defender Jose Fonte has refuted the notion that an injured Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the team to victory in the Euro 2016 final against France. A Selecao triumphed 1-0 in extra time in Paris after Ronaldo had hobbled off injured and in tears inside the opening half hour.
However, the then 31-year-old was seen hogging the spotlight on the sidelines, along with then manager Fernando Santos, as extra time ensued at the Parc des Princes. Eventually, Eder struck a low volley from distance in the 109th minute, which turned out to be the winner.
Fonte, who played the entire 120 minutes, told Rio Ferdinand (as per Max Steph) that the team were too focused on winning the title and only later noticed that Ronaldo was playing a key role from the sidelines:
"We were just focused in trying to win the game. Only after we watched the image (of Ronaldo on the sidelines) that's when we realised what was happening with him and the coach, but we were just focused on winning the game, to be honest."
The win made A Selecao the 10th different team to win the Euros. Meanwhile, eight years after that defeat, Deschamps' Les Bleus are into another Euro final, where they take on Spain in Munich on Tuesday (July 9).
How did Cristiano Ronaldo fare for Portugal at Euro 2016?
Cristiano Ronaldo fared decently in Portugal's victorious Euro 2016 campaign, contributing three goals and as many assists in seven games. He opened his account with a brace and an assist in the 3-3 draw with Hungary in their last group game.
Through to the knockouts as one of the four best third-placed sides, A Selecao caught fire. They beat Croatia 1-0 in extra time in the Round of 16, with Ronaldo assisting Ricardo Quaresma's 117th-minute winner.
In the quarter-finals, Santos' side won 5-3 on penalties after Renato Sanchez had cancelled out Robert Lewandowski's opener. Ronaldo scored in the ensuing shootout before scoring and assisting in the 2-0 win over Wales in the semis.
Although he drew a blank in Portugal's biggest game during his short stint on the pitch, Ronaldo cheered on from the sidelines as A Selecao won their maiden European Championship at Euro 2016, 12 years after losing 1-0 to Greece in the Euro 2004 final.