In what was considered a lack-lustre final, Portugal beat the favourites, hosts France, 1 – 0, in extra time. An excellent strike by Antonio Eder in the 109th minute securing Portugal’s first major title. It was a result that was even more amazing given that the team’s star player Ronaldo limped off the pitch early on after having been involved in a crunching tackle.
Within minutes of the final whistle Portuguese supporters who had been watching the game in the numerous pubs, clubs and restaurants of St Helier poured on to the streets.
The good natured celebrations even saw police officers who were on duty to make sure no one was injured, join in the festivities and pose for photographs.
The area was turned into a sea of red and green – a mixture of people wearing the team’s football strip and waving flags. One giant flag more than 30 foot long was paraded down the street before being hung from the side of the multi-storey car park. It was so big it covered an entire floor.