Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't be an inspiration on the pitch last night but the Portugal captain was man of the match for his performance off the pitch as de facto coach. He even inspired goalscorer Eder.
Ronaldo went off early in the match with an injury despite trying his hardest to stay on. It was difficult to watch as a clearly emotional Ronaldo had to be stretchered off and out of the biggest match of his career.
But the Real Madrid forward still managed to have an impact on his team delivering messages to his teammates before extra time and again at half-time in extra time.
Advert
Speaking after full time the match winner Eder revealed how CR7 gave him a boost saying: "Cristiano Ronaldo gave me confidence. He told me I was going to score."
Former Swansea striker Eder hit the winner late in extra time from outside the area after holding off Laurent Koscielny before firing brilliantly past Hugo Lloris.
Ronaldo was incredibly emotional after the match and the win was as much his as his teammates and he showed a surprising aptitude to being a manager or coach with his antics on the bench.
Advert
It was an incredibly emotional night for everyone in the Portugal camp!
Featured Image Credit: