Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Portugal are Kings of Europe, Tipperary crush Waterford and the sweeper system, Ciara Mageean takes bronze in Amsterdam

The Portugal team with the trophy as they celebrate beating France at the Stade de France. Photograph: Getty Images
The Portugal team with the trophy as they celebrate beating France at the Stade de France. Photograph: Getty Images
Mon Jul 11 2016 - 08:39

Euro 2016

With Cristiano Ronaldo watching on from the sidelines, it was the most unlikely of heroes who scored the extra-time winner that crowned Portugal as kings of Europe.

Substitute striker, and former Swansea flop, Eder rolled his man and scored a beauty in the second half of extra time as Portugal won their first ever major tournament - at the expense of hosts France.

They’d lost their captain and talisman Ronaldo to a knee injury in the first half of normal time - his tears the height of the drama before Eder’s 109th minute finish.

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Ken Early was in Paris to watch Portugal's game of risk pay off - "The silence of this French crowd told you everything. These are the kind of supporters who are only thrilled by displays of bravery so ostentatious that even they can recognise what's going on - but bravery means risk, and Deschamps' France didn't want to take any. Even casual supporters know fear when they smell it."

GAA

Back on home shores Tipperary secured back-to-back Munster hurling titles - after a 21-point win against Waterford. A result that nobody expected, John McGrath scored three of five goals. And Nicky English thinks the result is a victory for the traditionalists over the sweeper system.

Yesterday's Connacht final though ended in a draw, neither Roscommon nor Galway willing to take a chance and go for victory in a hand-pass dominated game. They meet again next Saturday, hopefully in better conditions than a wet, slippery Salthill.

Athletics

Ireland's Ciara Mageean won bronze at the European Championships yesterday evening - the 1,500m runner emulating Sonia O'Sullivan and Derval O'Rourke on the European podium. Capping a comeback from a chronic ankle - the Down runner was unfortunate not to win silver.

Le Tour

Dan Martin sprinted in 14th, six minutes 37 seconds behind the solo winner Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Alpecin) at yesterday's stage nine of the Tour de France - going from fourth to third overall in the race for the yellow jersey.

Wimbledon

Meanwhile Andy Murray secured his second Wimbledon title after a devastating straight sets victory over Milos Raonic.

“It’s very rare that you get through a slam without playing Novak, Roger or Rafa,” said Murray. “I still feel my best tennis is ahead of me, that I have an opportunity to win more.”