During the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France, 45 million people had 146 million
Here, we look at the three most talked about moments as well as the five players that got fingers tapping away at keys.
FIVE MOST TALKED ABOUT MOMENTS
1. RONALDO LIFTS THE TROPHY
The moment Cristiano Ronaldo had been waiting for throughout his international career. From the agony of having to leave the pitch injured after 25 minutes to the unbridled joy of lifting the coveted European Championship trophy that evaded him 12 years ago against Greece – the moment capped off quite a night for the Portuguese skipper.
2. EDER’S GOAL
Talk about a bolt from the blue! Or perhaps, through Les Bleus. Eder was hardly expected to make an appearance in the final, let alone score the solitary goal. But football loves the unexpected and a screamer from Portugal’s number nine went viral.
3. FINAL WHISTLE
When Mark Clattenburg blew his whistle to signal the end of extra-time, the script had been ripped up and tossed away. Portugal spoiled France’s party and social media was rife with the story of the underdogs triumphing without their talisman.
4. RONALDO GOES OFF INJURED
It seemed like Ronaldo’s entire international career boiled down to this one game but a clumsy challenge from Dimitri Payet left the Portuguese star with an injury he couldn’t play through, despite his best efforts. Several took to Facebook to sympathize with him.
5. KICK-OFF
The build-up to the game was finally cast aside and millions turned their attention to the centre-circle where the referee got the game underway.
FIVE MOST DISCUSSED PLAYERS
1. CRISTIANO RONALDO- 53%
In truth, Ronaldo was always going to be one of the most talked about players on the night regardless of how things unfolded. Despite going off injured and being denied the opportunity to make an impression on the game from the pitch, Ronaldo was animated on the touchline and still managed to retain much of the spotlight.
2. PEPE – 10%
Pepe’s antics sometimes takes away from one simple truth – he’s a world class defender. On Sunday night though, his defending was what people were talking about as he made 12 interceptions and was named Man of the Match.
3. NANI – 7%
Nani was one of Portugal’s most consistent performers at Euro 2016 and put in a fine shift in the final as well, especially when he took over the captain’s armband and was left to toil on his own upfront.
4. DIMITRI PAYET – 6%
The French playmaker was expected to create opportunities for his teammates and he did so early on in the first half. His deliveries were always spot on but he failed to take the game by the scruff of its neck when it called out for a match-winner and was substituted.
5. RICARDO QUARESMA – 5%
Ricardo Quaresma finally did his immense potential some justice in a Portugal shirt during Euro 2016. He came on for Ronaldo in the first half and pulled his weight as the team battled to a heroic 1-0 win.
