France 0-1 Portugal, UEFA Euro 2016 Final RESULT: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes a European champion after brilliant Eder strike stuns hosts in extra-time to win match


  • Ben Nagle Host commentator

22:58
I'll leave you with the money shot...
What an evening it's been. Both sides hit the post... there was drama early on as Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off on a stretcher, but he returned to his feet later on to cheer his team to victory and lift the trophy.
It's been an intriguing, brilliant night... especially if you're of Portuguese persuasion.
I'll leave you with the money shot... Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the trophy, Portugal are European champions.
Thanks for following the blog, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
IAN LADYMAN was our man in the stadium, and you can click HERE to read his match report from the final.
Be sure to keep an eye on the site throughout the night and into next week, as we bring you all the news and reaction. Good night!
 
Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the European Championship trophy after his side beat France 1-0

22:50
But a rather lonely moment for France's players...
 
 France's forward Andre-Pierre Gignac reacts after Portugal won the Euro 2016 final Antoine Griezmann of France shows his dejection after his team's 0-1 defeat by Portugal  
France's forward Dimitri Payet and team mates arrive to receive their runners-up medals  
 Anthony Martial endured a lonely moment on the pitch at full-time following the defeat

22:46
Scenes of celebration for Portugal
 
 Manager Fernando Santos and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrate winning at the final whistle Ricardo Quaresma drops to his knees as Mark Clattenburg blows the final whistle Portugal beat France 1-0 at the Stade de France to become European champions Portugal's players celebrate their 1-0 win over France in the Euro 2016 final in Paris  
Pepe and Rui Patricio embrace after securing the victory over France on Sunday night

22:33
PORTUGAL WIN THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP!
IT'S OVER! Portugal have beaten France 1-0 and are the champions of Europe! Such contrasting emotions from the two sides. Tears from both, but for many different reasons. Cristiano Ronaldo's sadness has turned to joy, while many of the France players look inconsolable as they sit dejected on the turf.
Pepe, having given so much during the 120 minutes, appears to throw up on the pitch, but is quickly back with his team-mates to continue the celebrations.
Portugal have this man to thank for their victory; Eder came off the bench to score the winner

22:32
122mins: Last-chance saloon for France as the ball drops to Anthony Martial in the middle of the 18-yard box. He strikes the ball goalwards, but it hits Andre-Pierre Gignac on its way through, and he's offside.

22:30
So close to the finish...
120mins: TWO MINUTES OF ADDED TIME!!

22:30
119mins: France are giving this everything they've got, but it doesn't look as though it'll be enough. With the hosts throwing everything forward, Portugal break clear for an attack of their own via Joao Mario and Ricardo Quaresma. The pair win a corner as Patrice Evra makes the tackle. It's taken short and France win back possession.

22:28
117mins: Rafael Guerreiro is hobbling off, but Portugal will need him back on for the final three minutes of the match. Ronaldo screams at him to get back on the pitch, eventually going over and physically pushing him back on. Huge three minutes to come.

22:22
Martial on!
111mins: Now's the time, Anthony. Didier Deschamps has opted to take off Moussa Sissoko, replacing him with Manchester United striker Anthony Martial. The biggest game of his fledgling career by some way.

22:19
GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-0 FRANCE (Eder 109)
PORTUGAL LEAD! Would you believe it, Portugal substitute Eder has put his side ahead and WHAT A STRIKE it is! The former Swansea striker, average during his time at the Liberty Stadium, has let fly from 25 yards out and found the bottom left-hand corner of Hugo Lloris' goal!
The France keeper desperately dived to his right but he just couldn't get there and Eder wheels away in celebration. There are tears from the Portugal bench, most notably under the eyes of Ronaldo, and France are on the brink of defeat in the national stadium!


22:18
PORTUGAL HIT THE POST!
106mins: In the first few seconds of the second half of extra-time, Portugal have a free-kick (wrongly awarded) just outside the France penalty area. Laurent Koscielny is booked for handball but replays show the ball actually hit the hand of Eder.
The free-kick is excellent and smashes Hugo Lloris' post. It looked for all the world as though Quaresma would hit it, but actually it was Guerreiro who struck it!

22:15
Time for some last-minute words of advice by Deschamps
 
France boss Didier Deschamps speaks to his players before the second half of extra-time

22:13
Half-time in extra-time!
105mins: Clattenburg blows his whistle, and that's half-time in extra-time. Not a lot happened in that first 15 minutes, bar three yellow cards.
Ronaldo is up on his feet, dishing out encouragement to his team-mates.

22:10
101mins: France on top, if I had to pick a side at this point in extra time. Still a pretty tight affair, though. Evra clears very badly, and as Coman tries to clear the danger, he knocks the ball out for a Portugal corner. Fonte and Pepe are up...

22:08
Here's that Gignac chance at the end of the 90 minutes...
And what a chance it was!


22:06
98mins: ANOTHER yellow card, three in the last three minutes. This one is for William Carvalho, as he hauls down Kingsley Coman. Took one for the team, there.

22:04
97mins: Blaise Matuidi is the next man in the referee's book, perhaps unfortunately, after a coming-together with Eder. It looked harsh, but the card stands and he's walking a tightrope until the end of this one.

22:03
France love a bit of extra-time...

22:03
96mins: Rafael Guerreiro is booked for a challenge on Sissoko, who is still causing problems after nearly 100 minutes of football. This is certainly a different player to the one we saw in the black and white of Newcastle last season.

22:02
95mins: The ball is whipped towards Pepe, who rises above the defence to head goalwards. In a double whammy though, he's a yard offside and his shot is wide.

22:01
94mins: It's started very slowly in the first half of extra-time. Understandably, neither side wish to lose it here and it's very cagey. Umtiti fouls Eder inside the France half, and Portugal have a free-kick 35 yards from goal. Quaresma over it.
Cristiano Ronaldo is off that stretcher and back on the Portugal bench for extra-time

22:00
93mins: Worth noting at this point that Portugal have twice played an extra 30 minutes of football at this tournament, while France got through all of their matches inside the standard 90. If it comes to it, Portugal already have a penalty shootout win to their name, as well. 'Allez Les Bleus' rings around the Stade de France.

21:57
Extra time begins
90mins: France get us started for the first 15 minutes of extra time.

21:53
EXTRA TIME TO COME!
Full-time: There it is, Mark Clattenburg blows his whistle and we'll have an extra 30 minutes to play. That's the first ever European Championship to finish goalless.

21:52
GIGNAC HITS THE POST!
90+2mins: France are seconds away from winning the match, with 90 seconds remaining! The ball finds Andre-Pierre Gignac inside the area, who did everything right as he twisted away from the Pepe. His shot at goal strikes the inside of the post and bounces out. You can't get a lot closer than that without scoring. Wow.

21:49
90mins: The fourth official indicates three minutes of added time. Can either side produce something at the death?

21:48
89mins: One minute left of the 90 minutes, and nothing to split these two sides. France are in possession as Sagna switches the play from right to left. Here's Pogba, who finds Griezmann. France are building the pressure, here. Sagna whips in a dangerous ball towards Gignac, but Patricio comes out well to gather.

21:45
86mins: Sagna exchanges passes with Matuidi, before Pogba collects. It's back out to Sagna on the right, but France just can't break down this Portugal back-line. Coman loses the ball to Moutinho, and Eder then wins a free-kick on the half-way line. 
We are edging ever closer to an extra half an hour of football.

21:43
SISSOKO COMES CLOSE AGAIN!
84mins: Another marvellous chance for Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko. He's some way out, but strikes a powerful right-footed shot with his laces towards the corner of the net. Rui Patricio has to dive low to his right, at full-stretch, but is able to push it away. As Sissoko comes in for the follow-up header, he takes a knock and is down injured. Another great chance for the best player on the pitch tonight.

21:40
Chance for Portugal!
80mins: Portugal very nearly score, and in quite an unexpected way! Nani tries a cross from the right, but it's mishit and flies towards Lloris. Instead of catching it, the France keeper bizarrely punches clear and into the path of Quaresma. All the forward can do is produce an acrobatic overhead kick, which is on target for the now-safe hands of Lloris. He makes up for his initial error by keeping hold of that one.
Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma attempts an acrobatic shot at goal but Lloris saves

21:37
Double substitution!
77mins: France are preparing a substitution, and it looks like Andre-Pierre Gignac might replace Olivier Giroud.
As that's happening, France have the ball on the left and a pass is made inside towards Griezmann. Before it can get to him, Giroud gets in the way. That will be his last contribution as that substitution is made.
Portugal also make a change: Renato Sanches is coming off for Eder.
Olivier Giroud runs off the pitch as he is replaced by Gignac with 13 minutes of the 90 left

21:34
Chance for Giroud!
75mins: The match is going in ebbs and flows now. There seems to be a period of five minutes where everything is frantic, before it calms down and everyone gets a chance to regroup. 
As I type, here come France. The ball finds Giroud on the left-hand side of the box, and he smashes a quick shot goalwards. It's a great save by Rui Patricio, who beats it clear to save his side.

21:32
73mins: Kingsley Coman kicks open his legs and is on his way. He flies into the Portugal half at considerable speed, skipping past Fonte's challenge before being forced wide. His cross back into the middle is not met by a team-mate and Portugal survive.
Kingsley Coman skips past Jose Fonte (right) but his cross is not met by a team-mate

21:31
70mins: Pepe knocks the ball back to Patricio, who plays it back to Pepe. It's all calmed down a little now, as a Ronaldo-less Portugal look to break down the hosts.
Here they come, through Guerreiro, who finds Quaresma. Inexplicably, he knocks the ball out for a goal-kick when trying to find Nani. A poor piece of play, and not one that is going to win them this match.

21:26
WHAT A CHANCE!
65mins: Ohhh, Griezmann should score! What a chance! Kingsley Coman produces a wonderful, inch-perfect cross from the left and it is on a plate for the tournament top scorer. He leaps, gets his head to it, but can't keep the ball below the crossbar. It drifts over the bar and that's two wonderful chances the Atletico Madrid striker has had, but no goals as yet.
Meanwhile, Portugal take off Adrien Silva, with Joao Moutinho replacing him.
Antoine Griezmann misses a chance to score as Portugal's Rui Patricio looks on

21:21
62mins: Olivier Giroud brings the ball down brilliantly on his chest, turning to begin an attack, before he is brought down cynically by Joao Mario. 
One of those 'tactical fouls', if you will. Clattenburg reaches for his pocket, and that's a yellow card for the Portugal No 10.

21:19
61mins: Coman has started brightly, and looks as though he might be a lively addition to this France side. Renato Sanches is penalised for a foul on Patrice Evra (just the 17 year age gap between the pair). Still such a tight game... you couldn't call it.

21:17
Payet off!
58mins: Dimitri Payet is taken off as France make their first substitution of the match. Young talent Kingsley Coman is the man to replace him for the final 30 minutes... and potentially more if we don't get any goals.
Dimitri Payet (centre) has been taken off; he did not hit the sort of heights we have seen previously

21:15
56mins: Joao Mario smashes a low cross into the France box, where Nani is lurking, ready to head past Lloris for 1-0. Samuel Umtiti has other ideas though, putting everything into his clearance. France survive and we stay goalless.

21:14
54mins: Payet tries a cross from the left, but it bounces back off Cedric Soares and into the feet of the West Ham man again. His second attempt is headed clear, and the game is then stopped due to a streaker on the pitch.
Or should that be 'brainless idiot'... that's according to the BBC commentary team, at least. He's quickly taken down and dragged from the field of play. See ya!

21:11
52mins: Sissoko (it seems like every update begins with him at the moment) whips a ball in from the right looking for Antoine Griezmann. It flashes across the six-yard box, but the France striker is nowhere to be seen and Pepe smashes it out for a corner. That's whipped in by Griezmann, but Patricio gathers at the second attempt.
Bacary Sagna (left) of France in action against Joao Mario of Portugal during the final

21:09
50mins: Here comes Sissoko again, but he runs into trouble and has to backtrack. Payet collects and turns left and right, through three defenders, before they gather their thoughts to win the ball back. Payet has that bit of magic that could turn the game on its head, though. Here he is again, as I type, but Guerreiro snuffs it out.

21:06
47mins: Sissoko drifts through the middle unchallenged and looks for Giroud. The Arsenal striker has his back to the ball and doesn't pick it up. As Pepe collects and moves forward, he is felled by Sissoko. The Real Madrid defender - surprisingly - makes the most of it and screams in pain as he falls to the ground. Within seconds he's up and moving again. No comment.
Portugal's defender Pepe (left) kicks the ball past France forward Antoine Griezmann

21:05
46mins: An early foul by Samuel Umtiti on Nani, who himself is now down on the turf and in considerable pain. He does look like he'll be able to continue, but this is all rather unfortunate for Portugal. Looking at replays, Nani's reaction actually looks more angry than anything else.

21:04
The players are back out...
The players are back out on the pitch, after the Portugal players gathered for a huddle in the tunnel, and we're set for the second half.
Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud get us started...

20:58
Story of the first half in Paris
Here's some pictures to show what we've seen in the Euro 2016 final so far...
Nani gets the match underway at the Stade de France, north of Paris, on Sunday night Antoine Griezmann came closest to opening the scoring, but his header was tipped over by Patricio Cristiano Ronaldo could play no further part in the match and was taken off on a stretcher Moussa Sissoko, perhaps the most lively player on the pitch, forces a save from Patricio

20:54
The world was watching
I assume shock (and perhaps joy) was the main emotion in the Paris Fan Zone when Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off on a stretcher.
The mainly-French contingent will know their chances have improved, but what a sad sight it is to see one of the best players in the world coming off in that manner.
People watch the final on a giant screen at the Paris Fan Zone near the Eiffel Tower

20:49
HALF-TIME: Portugal 0-0 France
Mark Clattenburg blows his whistle to bring an end to the first half. Seconds earlier, Portugal saw a cross flash wide of the back post when nobody could get on the end of it.
Antoine Griezmann - top scorer of the tournament - came closest to opening the scoring and netting his seventh goal of Euro 2016, but his header was tipped wide early on.
The biggest news of the match so far though, of course, comes in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a case of 'will he, won't he' when Portugal were debating whether he could continue and, despite trying, he was eventually taken off on a stretcher.
A huge loss for Portugal, but this game is still wide open. Who's your money on?

20:47
45mins: Two minutes of added time indicated by the fourth official, but just as we begin that there's a clash of heads between Patrice Evra and Ricardo Quaresma. The France defender has come off slightly worse, but both are okay to continue.

20:45
43mins: As we head towards half-time with the score goalless, Portugal play the ball around at the back. Fonte knocks it through to Quaresma, who wins a throw down the left. Rafael Guerreiro, from the resulting set piece, loses out and the ball goes behind for a goal-kick.

20:43
Sissoko's all over the place
...in a good way, of course. Here's his heat map from the first 40 minutes of tonight's match.
Moussa Sissoko's heat map shows the areas of the pitch he has covered so far

20:42
41mins: Griezmann knocks the ball inside to Payet, but before the West Ham man can create anything for France, Pepe is on top of him to clear the danger. The pace has really intensified now, and it's actually an excellent game of football. Not technically brilliant all the time, but you can understand why with the nerves these players will be feeling.

20:40
39mins: Portugal win a corner, which is fired towards Jose Fonte in the centre. The Southampton defender rises highest, but his effort drifts over the bar. 
Meanwhile, Ricardo Quaresma looks like he's picked up a knock. He, you'll be aware, replaced Ronaldo just a few minutes ago. Hopefully he's okay to continue.

20:39
38mins: Sanches, to Quaresma, to Nani. Portugal build pressure with ease, coming forward from the halfway line in a move started by the former. The ball eventually finds Adrien Silva on the edge of France's 18-yard box, but his movement is too slow and France nick the ball back.

20:36
CHANCE!
34mins: Sissoko forces a save from Rui Patricio! The Newcastle man has been perhaps the player of the match so far, and looks full of confidence. He picked the ball up on the left-hand side of the box, turned Soares with ease, before whipping a shot goalwards. Patricio beats the ball away and Portugal clear their lines.
Seconds later, Cedric Soares picks up the first yellow card of the match as he flies a knee into the side of Payet. Payback for that earlier challenge on Ronaldo, perhaps?
Moussa Sissoko has been perhaps the best player of the match so far, trying a couple of shots at goal

20:34
33mins: France are probably just about on top, but not by much and neither side have really stamped their authority on the match so far. As I type, Quaresma wins the ball back for Portugal but possession is quickly squandered when Fonte whips a pass out of play.

20:31
Ronaldo's Real Madrid team-mate has his say

20:31
30mins: As we approach the half-hour mark, there's only one real talking point in this match, and I don't need to explain what that is.
Griezmann had that impressive header early on, but it's Ronaldo getting the headlines so far... for reasons he will be devastated about.
An emotional looking Cristiano Ronaldo looks at the stretcher about to carry him off Ronaldo is comforted by Portugal's midfielder Joao Mario as he is taken off on a stretcher

20:28
27mins: Joao Mario gets a tame header on target at Hugo Lloris' goal at the back post. Portugal now have to step up their game without their star man in attendance... as if this match wasn't hard enough. 

20:26
RONALDO IS COMING OFF!
24mins: Ladies and gents, I don't mean to mess you about... but Cristiano Ronaldo really is coming off now.
He was, then he wasn't, and now he really is. A stretcher is coming on for the Portugal forward, and there are heads-in-hands among the Portugal supporters.
Nani takes the captain's armband, Ronaldo is bawling his eyes out, and in fact, the whole stadium is on their feet. Devastating for the Real Madrid forward.
Ricardo Quaresma replaces him.

20:22
RONALDO IS NOT COMING OFF!
21mins: Wow. It looked for all the world as though Ronaldo was going to come off, but it appears Portugal's star man is strapped up and will continue.
A huge risk and I doubt Real Madrid bosses are happy, but it's happening. Ronaldo plays on.
This is his reaction a couple of minutes ago...


20:21
20mins: Renato Sanches wins the ball off Dimitri Payet, and Portgual come forward at pace. Nani has the ball on the left, and they seem quite happy to keep hold of the ball while they're a man light. 

20:19
RONALDO IS COMING OFF!
17mins: Love him or hate him, you don't wish this on anyone. Cristiano Ronaldo is in tears, and will have to come off. He's been limping around for the last five minutes, and it appears his night is over. A real shame, as a footballing spectacle.
Don't get me wrong though, if you're a France fan you'll be delighted. 

20:16
15mins: France are happy to knock the ball around their defence, before beginning an attack with Moussa Sissoko down the right. He's started well, the Newcastle man.
Eventually, Joao Mario wins the ball back well, holding off Pogba to put an end to the France attack.

20:14
Ronaldo's still struggling
13mins: If you're a Portugal fan, barring an early goal for France, this is the one thing you didn't want to happen. Cristiano Ronaldo still looks like he's really struggling after that early challenge. He's grimacing and limping. Time will tell if he can continue.

20:11
CHANCE FOR FRANCE!
10mins: The best chance of the match by some distance, and it's a wonderful save by Rui Patricio in the Portugal goal. The ball was whipped in by Payet from the left, with Griezmann rising highest above the defence to flick one goalwards. It was looping towards the top corner, but Patricio's fingertip save puts the ball wide of the post. From the resulting corner, Giroud heads straight at the keeper, who collects well.
Rui Patricio tips Griezmann's header wide of the left-hand post in the first real chance

20:10
Ronaldo is injured!
9mins: It's not clear quite how badly yet, but Cristiano Ronaldo is down and looks in considerable pain after a hefty challenge from Dimitri Payet. Not a foul, but pretty strong. He's back on his feet, albeit gingerly at the moment. He's the one player Portugal do NOT want to lose.
Dimitri Payet (left) goes into a hefty challenge with Cristiano Ronaldo ...and the Portugal star did not look comfortable in the aftermath

20:08
7mins: Payet is causing all kinds of problems, it's relentless. He danced his way into the left-hand side of the area, but Portgual's defence stays strong initially. Seconds later, Griezmann picks the ball up in a shooting position on the left-hand side of the box, but he snatches at the shot, slicing it wide of the post.
France's Antoine Griezmann in action with Portugal's William Carvalho and Adrien Silva

20:07
6mins: And there's France's first shot, but it's much the same result. Sissoko smashes one over the bar, on the volley, from the edge of the area. They're going to have to do better than that.

20:06
Nani shoots!
5mins: Despite the hosts' early pressure, it's Portugal with the first effort as Nani gets on th end of a long through ball. He takes the ball down on his chest, and fires at Hugo Lloris' goal. It's high and wide, but a chance nonetheless.

20:05
4mins: Payet comes forward again, finding Griezmann next him. Expect the pair to link up time and time again tonight. Seconds later, Pepe heads back to his goalkeeper... just about. That's both of Portugal's centre-backs with an early nervous touch.

20:03
2mins: All France in the early exchanges as they nick the ball back and begin an attack with Dimitri Payet. The West Ham man can't find a team-mate with his ball towards the back post, though. It's all a bit frantic so far.

20:02
Sportsmail's ROB DRAPER is at the Stade de France...
'Difficult not to be moved by that national anthem. Sometimes just hosting a tournament and doing well can feel like an act of defiance. And La Marseillaise felt a little like that tonight.'

20:01
And we're off
0mins: Portugal get us started, kicking from left to right. And immediately Jose Fonte takes a nervous touch and knocks the ball out of play. Understandable, I'm sure you'll agree.

20:00
The two teams...
Just a reminder of how we line up...
France XI: Lloris, Sagna, Koscielny, Umtiti, Evra, Matuidi, Pogba, Sissoko, Griezmann, Payet, Giroud
Portugal XI: Rui Patricio, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro, Ronaldo, Joao Mario, Carvalho, Sanches, Nani, Cedric, Silva

19:59
It was quite a scene pre-match...
If the players weren't quite aware what the trophy looks like, they certainly do now.
All of that has been cleared, and we're all set to start at the Stade de France.
A general view shows the closing ceremony ahead the Euro 2016 final between France and Portugal

19:55
Here we go, then...
The players are walking out of the tunnel, the month-long Euro 2016 party is coming to a close. This is it... the big one!
There is a LOT of noise in the stadium as the two sides make their way onto the pitch, led out by Mark Clattenburg.
The national anthems are next.

19:54
Big names in the crowd
Often seen in the stands at the Stade de France with a scarf draped around his neck, president Francois Hollande is there tonight...
French President Francois Hollande arrives at the Stade de France ahead of the Euro 2016 final

19:50
Kick-off edging closer...
David Guetta is out on the pitch for the pre-game ceremony, the warm-ups are finished, and we're just 10 minutes away from kick-off in the 51st match of the tournament.
I, for one, can't wait for this. Get yourself a drink and settle down... it's nearly time!
The Stade de France looks majestic with the match fast approaching in Paris A huge Euro 2016 trophy sits in the middle of the pitch with 10 minutes to go until kick-off

19:47
Okay, so England didn't make it to the final, but we've got the referee... so who's the real winner here?
Mark Clattenburg will be the man in the middle, and Sportsmail's Graham Poll - himself a former World Cup referee - has given his thoughts.
'Mark Clattenburg is the best English referee of modern times, rivalling the late great Jack Taylor as the best of all time.
'The 41-year-old takes pride in his fitness and has huge self-confidence, making him a natural referee who will take chances to ensure a game can be as good as possible.
'His appointment to take charge of the Euro 2016 final is fully justified and completes a unique treble following the FA Cup and Champions League finals in May.'
Referee Mark Clattenburg walks through a swarm of moths as he inspects the pitch before the game

19:41
Ronaldo's family are in the stadium
So much has been said of Cristiano Ronaldo in the build-up, but ever the family man he has plenty of close relatives in the stadium to cheer him on tonight.
His mother and son have both been spotted in the crowd.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) and his team-mates run during the warm-up in Paris Ronaldo's son Cristiano Junior (top) waits for kick-off at the Euro 2016 final at the Stade de France Dolores Aveiro, Ronaldo's mum, and Cristiano Jr in the stands with other family members

19:35
What do they win?
Let's talk prize money. Of course, much of the desire to win tonight surrounds national pride and the chance to go down in history, but there's a bit of money at stake too.
The winners of the tournament will receive €8 million in UEFA prize money, while the losers are set to pick up €5m.
France, already, have secured €18.5m in prize money, for participation and then wins to this stage.
Portugal's earnings stand at €17.5m, given their Group Stage performance was slightly worse.

19:32
But what about Portugal?
Fernando Santos' side, on the other hand, have not found the tournament plain-sailing, although they are unbeaten and deserve their place in the final.
They finished third in Group F, qualifying by virtue of the new layout of the tournament.
In their opening match, they drew 1-1 with Iceland, before only managing a point against Austria and Hungary, too (0-0 and 3-3 respectively).
When they booked their place in the knockout stages, they stepped it up a little, beating Croatia, albeit three minutes from the end of extra time in a match devoid of quality.
Against Poland in the quarter-final, they won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate after extra time.
Ronaldo turned up in the semi-final against Wales, with Portugal winning 2-0 to book their place in the final.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the Portugal celebrations after they beat Wales in the semi-final Portugal struggled in Group F, finishing third, but have nonetheless made it to the final

19:27
France's story so far
Hosts France came into the tournament as one of the big favourites to lift the trophy, so it's little surprise they're here tonight.
They topped Group A ahead of Switzerland, winning two and drawing one of their three opening matches.
They started the tournament with a 2-1 win over Romania, before beating Albania in their following match. Their final group game was a 0-0 draw with Switzerland, but it was enough to set up a clash with a third-placed team.
That turned out to be the Republic of Ireland, who fought and fought, but ultimately France came through 2-1.
In the quarter-final, a brace from Antoine Griezmann helped demolish surprise package Iceland 5-2, before they beat Germany 2-0 in their last game.
They certainly deserve their place in the final, but can they complete the dream?
Antoine Griezmann, Patrice Evra and Olivier Giroud of France celebrate after beating Germany France won two of their three games to top Group A and are unbeaten so far

19:21
The fans are ready... are you?
The stadium is really filling up now, with under 40 minutes until kick-off. I honestly can't emphasise how big a match this is for these two countries. Don't you just wish England were playing...?
France's fans in the stands before the match at the Stade de France on Sunday France supporters cheer before the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France A French supporter waits for the start of the Euro 2016 final in the stands at the Stade de France Portugal fans hold a large flag above their heads as the noise intensifies in Paris

19:16
'Dele Alli over Paul Pogba'
Much of the build-up to this match has surrounded Paul Pogba, who could yet be playing in the red of Manchester United next season.
One man not quite believing the hype, though, is Harry Redknapp. Speaking to Betsafe in the build-up to the match, he said his pride would stop him buying Pogba if he were United boss... and he'd choose Dele Alli over the France midfielder.
'If I was the owners of Manchester United, I'd be very aggrieved in that we actually let him go on a free transfer and we've now got to pay 100 million to get him back. I don’t think I'd like that, I think my pride would stop me from paying a player 100 million when we gave him away.
'He's a great player, there's no doubt about that, but I wouldn't swap him for Dele Alli. If you asked me, Dele Alli or Pogba who do you want? I'm taking Dele Alli in the long term.'

19:10
PETE JENSON: They were rivals five weeks ago in Milan and it was Cristiano Ronaldo who was left celebrating after Real Madrid won the Champions League at the San Siro.
Antoine Griezmann’s missed penalty in normal time cost Atletico Madrid dear; he gets a second chance this evening in Paris.
Whoever comes out on top it will complete a football fairytale to rival any this tournament has thrown up over the years. Either Ronaldo will bury the demons from a final defeat on home soil by Greece in 2004, and finally give Portugal the major tournament success that eluded the legendary Eusebio and Luis Figo.
Antoine Griezmann (left) boards the France coach at the hotel earlier; it is a huge night for him

19:03
MOTH UPDATE
Okay, so not strictly an update... but we've created a snazzy picture to show you just how bad the moth situation looked on the pitch earlier. Madness.
Pierluigi Collina (left) and Didier Deschamps (right) were two of the people affected by the moths

18:53
So what are the changes?
For Portugal, Danilo and Bruno Alves have droppd out of the starting XI, with Pepe and William Carvalho coming back in.
In the France starting XI, there are no changes, which is a bit of a shock in itself. N'Golo Kante and Adil Rami are both back from suspensions and able to play, but Didier Deschamps has opted to stick with Umtiti and Sissoko in his starting XI.
Adil Rami, Moussa Sissoko, Samuel Umtiti and Andre-Pierre Gignac (left-right) chat on the pitch

18:48
TEAMS ARE IN!
Here we go, then... the two starting XIs are in for tonight's Euro 2016 final!
France XI: Lloris, Sagna, Koscielny, Umtiti, Evra, Matuidi, Pogba, Sissoko, Griezmann, Payet, Giroud
Portugal XI: Rui Patricio, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro, Ronaldo, Joao Mario, Carvalho, Sanches, Nani, Cedric, Silva

18:41
Two ex-Manchester United managers are at the Stade de France
Two of Manchester United's greatest ever managers... okay, one of Manchester United's greatest ever managers are in attendance at the stadium. And Sir Alex Ferguson is there too.
Sir Alex Ferguson (right) and David Moyes (centre) stand pitch-side before the Euro 2016 final

18:38
MOTH ALERT
This is not a drill... some moths have invaded the pitch and are wreaking havoc!!
Okay, so it might not be that bad, but Didier Deschamps and referee Mark Clattenburg both seem to have been a little frustrated by the creatures pre-match.
Just take a look at these photos. More information as we get it... (Maybe).
France coach Didier Deschamps swipes away some moths as he examines the pitch pre-match A swarm of moths resting on the netting of the goal before the game... hopefully they don't cause problems Refereeing legend Pierluigi Collina is swarmed by moths as he stands on the pitch pre-match Assistant referee Andre Marriner plays with a moth before the match at the Stade de France Moths surround Collina and referee Mark Clattenburg before the match on Sunday night

18:33
Security is tight in the French capital
It would be remiss of me to skirt around the security concerns in Paris. Of course, there is a high police presence tonight given November's terror attacks in the city. 
In fact, there are 6800 police officers on duty in Paris tonight... be it at the Stade de France, various fanzones and on the Champs d'Elysee.
There are 1300 officers at the game, while 700 have been posted to the public transport networks.
In addition to that, there are thousands more security guards, soldiers and stewards around the city to keep supporters safe.
Speaking from a personal point-of-view, having been to Paris for a couple of matches during the tournament, everything has seemed very good-natured so far. Checks are regular and thorough, but everyone is glad they are being looked after.
Soldiers with sniffer dogs check the stadium before the UEFA EURO 2016 Final at the Stade de France Security personnel made sure the stadium was safe before the players and supporters arrived Fans queue at the first set of security checks on their way to the stadium on Sunday

18:26
As you'd expect, this morning's front pages on the continent were dominated by tonight's game...
In France, L'Equipe's headline hailed 'The Day of the Lords', while Portugal's A Bola lead with 'The game of our lives. We will win it'.
Confidence, then, from both camps. Click HERE to read more.
The front page of L'Equipe were positive on Sunday, with the headline 'The Day of the Lords' In Portugal, A Bolo wrote: 'The game of our lives. We will win it' on Sunday morning

18:18
ADAM SHERGOLD: It is tempting to view Sunday evening's Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France merely as a contest between Cristiano Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann.
One is head and shoulders his country's best player, a talisman who is talking about delivering the title as a personal gift to the Portuguese nation. The other has become a national hero over the past few weeks by scoring six crucial goals in France's uplifting march to the final.
Yet while both men will undoubtedly be key, the more interesting battle in the Stade de France may well be between France's colossus Paul Pogba and Portugal's young whippersnapper Renato Sanches.
Many are talking about Ronaldo vs Griezmann, but Pogba vs Sanches could be a bigger clash

18:15
But who do you think will win?
It's all a game of opinions, and we'd love to hear yours. Tonight is HUGE, and we want to know where you're watching the game, who you think will win, and anything else throughout the night.
You can use the comments section below or tweet me @bennagle17 and I'll use the best ones throughout the evening.
Get involved!
A general view of the pitch where Portugal and France will vie for the trophy tonight

18:11
Ultimately, that is the question on everyone's lips tonight. France or Portugal?
Well, we've asked some of our Mail reporters to give their thoughts ahead of the match.
Ian Ladyman says Portugal, Dominic King says France. Click HERE to find out who everyone else thinks.
Here's what the two teams are playing for... but who will be lifting the trophy later tonight?

18:09
Where better to start than with some live pictures from the Stade de France?
French fans are out in force, Portugal fans are out in force... as well as some Scotsmen, would you believe. Here's some of the latest snaps...
Some France supporters in disguise - ish - arrive at the Stade de France ahead of the match Portugal supporters wave smoke flares as they arrive in a buoyant mood ahead of tonight's match There have been plenty of French flags held aloft around Paris today... this lot are on their way to the stadium A Portuguese fan holds her flag aloft after entering the Stade de France in sunny Paris Hold on.. a Scotland fan? Fair play pal! This guy arrived at the stadium early on Sunday evening

18:00
Good evening!
Well, here we are. It's the one we've all been waiting for. This match doesn't need a huge build-up, but don't worry... we're going to give you one anyway.
It's France vs Portugal, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba vs Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, the hosts against the underdogs.
There's two hours until kick-off at the Stade de France, and we've got plenty to get through before the teams walk out. Let's go!
The big screen inside the Stade de France previews tonight's big match in the French capital
After 50 matches and 107 goals watched by over 2.3million spectators in 10 host cities, it all comes down to this. Euro 2016 hosts France face Portugal for the chance to lift the trophy.
In the way of the favourites stands Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates, hoping to silence the Stade de France and indeed the entire French nation.
Portugal and France both recorded 2-0 victories to reach the final two, against Wales and Germany respectively, and it is sure to be a mammoth clash in Paris on Sunday night.
Follow all the action as it happens with Sportsmail's BEN NAGLE.