On July 10, 2016, Portugal produced one of the most resilient defensive displays in European Championship history to defeat tournament hosts France 1-0 after extra time at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, securing the nation's maiden international silverware.
Portugal's hopes suffered a devastating blow inside the opening 25 minutes when captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off in tears following a heavy challenge by Dimitri Payet. Deprived of their superstar, Fernando Santos' side rallied behind towering central defender Pepe and goalkeeper Rui Patrício, who made a string of world-class saves to deny Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, and Moussa Sissoko.
With France growing anxious as extra time progressed, Santos introduced journeyman striker Éder in the 79th minute. In the 109th minute of extra time, Éder held off Laurent Koscielny, cut inside from 25 yards, and unleashed a ferocious low drive that whistled past Hugo Lloris into the bottom corner of the net.
Cristiano Ronaldo, with a heavily strapped knee, paced the touchline alongside manager Santos urging his teammates over the line during the frantic closing minutes. Portugal held firm to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy, banishing the heartbreak of their Euro 2004 final defeat on home soil.