Both semifinals at Euro 2016 were games of a few isolated moments. There was Cristiano Ronaldo’s header, and Bastian Schweinsteiger’s inexplicable handball, along with flashes of fortune and industry from Nani and Antoine Griezmann.

Neither Portugal nor France truly dominated against Wales and Germany, but at this level, total domination is rare. The margins are so thin, the games so tight; it is often the small moments that make the difference.

No team at Euro 2016 can attest to that game theory better than Portugal. Fernando Santos’ team has one only one of its six games in France in normal time, but now stands just 90 minutes from its first major tournament success.

France has hardly been consistent in this tournament, but thanks to several heavy doses of individual brilliance, they’ve made it to the final with their dream of lifting their country intact.

Griezmann has been great – he’s assured of the Golden Ball and Golden Boot if France win the final – and was unplayable against Germany, but the real breakout performer of the semifinal was center-back Samuel Umtiti.

COMING SOON