- Eder’s goal for Portugal in the second half of extra time gives his team victory
- The midfielder has played his part in helping France reach tournament’s finale
It was heartbreak for N’Golo Kanté and France on Sunday night as the host nation fell to a narrow 1-0 extra-time defeat at the hands of Portugal in the Euro 2016 final in Paris.
The French, who started as favourites and had their chances of securing the title seemingly increased when Portugal’s star man Cristiano Ronaldo was replaced through injury after 25 minutes, but they just couldn’t secure the breakthrough.
The game ended all-square at 0-0 after 90 minutes, and it wasn’t until a 109th-minute striker from ex-Swansea City forward Eder that Portugal took the lead – one that France were unable to claw back despite their best efforts.
Leicester City man Kanté was an unused substitute for the match, although played a key role in setting the French on their way to the final, not least with an assist for Dimitri Payet’s winner in the opening game.
Despite defeat, Kanté’s run with France to the final of a major tournament on the back of a remarkable Premeir League-winning campaign with the Foxes marks a stunning season for the midfielder, who will link up with his team-mates when they travel to Los Angeles for a pre-season friendly with Paris Saint-Germain later this month.