Portugal beat France to rule European football

The substitute

France carved out the best chances, with Antoine Griezmann twice denied by saves from Rui Patricio, while Andre-Pierre Gignac hit the post.

Portugal, who lost captain Ronaldo to a knee injury, hit the bar through Raphael Guerreiro in extra time.

The game was heading for penalties when Eder beat Hugo Lloris from 25 yards.

The full-time whistle sparked joyous scenes among Portugal's players and fans.

The 2004 European Championship runners-up reached the knockout stages despite failing to win a group game.

Fantastic goalkeeping from Rui Patricio kept Portugal in the game and their hopes of winning their first major trophy. France started the game in a quick fashion and got the first opportunity, after Antoine Griezmann put his head to the ball but, Patricio produced a superb save to deny the hosts.

Sissoko who was the best player of the first half beat his marker, before he shot strongly towards the Portuguese goal and once again Rui Patricio stopped the ball from entering his net.

Portugal were hit by a big blow when Cristiano Ronaldo was stretched off the pitch in the first half: Dimitri Payet dispossessed him with a perfect challenge. He walked off the pitch and was given some treatment, before continuing play, but fell on the ground in the end and was stretched off.

France threw everything into attack and created several goal scoring opportunities in the second half, but were denied by Patricio and the side past. Antoine Griezmann, the top scorer of the tournament, missed an unchallenged header, before Sissoko's long drive was saved by the strong hands of the Portuguese goalkeeper and substitutes Gignac could have scored the match winner in added time, after beating Pepe, but his shot hit the side post.

The best chance in the full 90 minutes for Portugal came when Nani cross which was seemingly less dangerous almost beat Hugo Lloris, but was smart to prevent it from entering his net.

Portugal’s were better in the extra time as they created two opportunities at either half of the extra 30 minutes of play. Raphael Guerero’s freekick in the 2nd half of the extra time hit the woodwork to give France a big sigh of relief.

Before Eder in the 109th minute took on three French defenders and struck the ball to beat Hugo Lloris.