Joas Moutinho cut a jittery figure as Portugal decided who would take responsibility during the quarter-final penalty shootout against Poland. Moutinho had missed in a shootout four years earlier as Portugal were knocked out in the semi-final of Euro 2-12 by Spain.
This was where Cristiano Ronaldo, often derided as a captain, stepped in. Ronaldo convinced - or bullied if you believe Eamon Dunphy - Moutinho to take a kick. The midfielder took and scored Portugal's third penalty of the shootout.
At half time during Portugal's victory against France on Sunday night, Ronaldo once again showed his leadership abilities. The 31-year-old left the game after 25 minutes with a torn MCL. Still, during the break, Ronaldo exerted his influence.
Portugal right-back Cedric Soares (via ESPN FC) told of Ronaldo's 'fantastic' half-time speech.
It was a very tough moment. I remember, for me and the team, everybody was a little bit in shock I think.
In half-time, Cristiano had fantastic words for us. He gave us a lot of confidence and said 'listen people, I'm sure we will win, so stay together and fight for it.'
It was really unbelievable. I think all the team had a fantastic attitude. And we showed tonight when you fight as one you are much much stronger.
Unable to take part in the game, Ronaldo was still a highly visible figure on the sideline. According to Soares, he had words of encouragement for teammates as time ticked on and France grew ever more frustrated.
No, he was fantastic. His attitude was unbelievable. Always he helped a lot our teammates, he always had a lot of motivational words and all the team of course reacted to them, so it was very good.
Yes, he had fantastic words for each player in each moment of the game ... I'm really really happy to be part of this group and be champion.
With just over ten minutes left of normal time, Eder replaced Renato Sanches. 30 minutes later, he would score the winner when his low daisy-cutting shot went beyond the reach of Hugo Lloris.
That he would be the game winner was affirmed by Ronaldo.
(Ronaldo) told me I would score the winning goal for the team.
It was a goal I've been working for from the first minute of the Euros.
For all the work we did, for all of the Portuguese, it's fantastic. It's well deserved and we should all be congratulated.
