By Rizwan Rehmat
PARIS: Hosts France must stop star striker Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal if they want to end their long wait for title glory in the Euro 2016 final set to take place in Paris today.
Ronaldo, who guided Portugal to their major football final with a convincing win against Wales last Wednesday, has exhibited sublime form in the month-long event that culminates with the final against the 1998 FIFA World Cup champions.
For Ronaldo, the final today also presents an opportunity to erase the sad memory of losing the 2004 Euro title clash against Greece. In 2004, trophyless Ronaldo was only 19 as Portugal went down to Greece at the Stadium of Light 12 years ago.
It could all change today.
France, coached by shrewd Didier Deschamps, know they can’t allow Ronaldo space or early breakthrough if they want to win their second major football trophy in the last 20 years. “Limiting his influence will be key for us,” Deschamps said ahead of the final.
France right-back Bacary Sagna echoed similar sentiments.
“He’s one of the best in the world, if not the best. As a defender you have to give him as little space as possible,” Sagna said.
So true.
Ronaldo produced a spectacular backheel goal against Hungary before helping his team take the lead in their semi-final win against Wales on Wednesday. He even contributed to the goal scored by Nani in the same match.
For the Real Madrid star, the final clash today will be the biggest for the Portugal skipper to date. Having been voted the World-Player-of-the-Year three times, Ronaldo needs this win to consolidate his position among his peers of the modern era.
French fans, however, can take comfort from the fact that they have the edge going into the final.
France have won 10 of their last meetings between the two sides since Portugal won a friendly way back in 1975.
Good news for Portugal is that centre-back Pepe has declared himself fit for the final at Stade de France.
Ronaldo’s team-mate at Real Madrid, the 33-year-old defender missed Portugal’s 2-0 semi-final win over Wales due to a thigh injury. Pepe trained with the team yesterday.
“I feel great. I’m fully fit and can be chosen to play tomorrow,” he told a press conference at Stade de France yesterday.
France, on the other hand, cannot be taken lightly having shown the exit to Germany, the world champions, in the semi-final. Football pundits says Deschamps would retain the 4-2-3-1 formation he used against Germany three days ago. For Deschamps, the key men are strikers Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud.
Les Blues will be looking to emulate Michel Platini’s side that won the Euro Championship in 1984.
With 1998 World Cup star and 2000 Euro winner coaching them, French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris knows history beckons today. “Playing the Euros on home soil has been wonderful. Now we have one more step to take... but we’re preparing well for battle against a formidable opponent,” Lloris said yesterday.
The Peninsula
