Matt Oldfield - Road to the World Cup (Ultimate Football Heroes)

Stade de France, 10 July 2016

Cristiano had already won so many trophies during his amazing career one La Liga title with Real Madrid, three Premier League titles with Manchester United, three Champions League trophies and three Ballon dOrs. But there was still something missing. That something was an international trophy with Portugal.

The best footballers always lead their countries to glory, Cristiano told his best friend Nani. Im one of the best and I need to prove it!

As he walked out onto the pitch in Paris, Cristiano was one step away from achieving his dream. With his confidence and three crucial goals during the Euro 2016 championship, he had led his team all the way to the final. At the Stade de France, Portugal faced a France team with home advantage and world-class players like Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann.

After beating the World Champions Germany in the semi-finals, France were the favourites to win. Portugal were the underdogs, but they had the best player in Europe Cristiano and he had never been more determined to win.

Once their coach, Fernando Santos, had finished his team talk in the dressing room, it was time for the senior players to speak. Nani went first and then it was the captains turn.

Weve done so well to get this far, Cristiano told his teammates, but lets not settle for second place. We can do this! One more win and we will go down in history. One more win and we will return home as heroes!

The whole squad cheered. Together, they believed that they could become the champions of Europe.

Cristiano stood with his eyes closed for the Portuguese national anthem. He didnt mumble the words under his breath; he shouted them at the top of his voice. He was pumped up and ready to do his country proud on the pitch.

After seven minutes, Cristiano got the ball just inside the French half. As he turned to attack, Dimitri Payet rushed in with a heavy challenge.

Foul! the Portugal fans cried out as Cristiano fell to the floor.

When the referee waved play on, everyone expected Cristiano to get back up, but he didnt. He couldnt. He stayed down on the ground, holding his left knee and screaming in agony.

Oww!

Cristiano wasnt faking; this was a serious injury. As the physios used the magic spray and rubbed his knee with an ice pack, he winced. He put his hands to his face to hide his tears.

Up in the stands, there was panic on the face of every Portugal fan. Could they win the final without their superstar? They didnt think so. When Cristiano stood up and limped over to the touchline, they clapped and cheered.

Dont give up we need you, CR7!

Cristiano tested his leg it didnt feel good, but he had to keep playing.

Are you sure? Joo Mrio asked him as he walked back onto the pitch.

I have to try! Cristiano told him.

But a minute later, he collapsed to the ground again. On his big day, Cristiano was in too much pain to continue. He kept shaking his head. He couldnt believe his bad luck.

You have to go off, Nani said, giving his friend a hug. Well do our skipper proud, I promise!

Cristiano still wasnt ready to leave the field, though. It was his dream to play in a Euro final and he wasnt giving up yet. The physios put a bandage around his knee and he went back on. Third time lucky he hoped, but when he tried to run, he had to stop. Reluctantly, he signalled to the bench: I need to come off.

Cristiano ripped off his captains armband. Wear this, he said to Nani, and win this final!

Dont worry, skipper, well win for you! Pepe shouted.

As he was carried off on a stretcher, Cristiano cried and cried. The most important match of his life was over before it had properly begun.

But Cristiano didnt hide away, feeling sorry for himself. He was still Portugals captain and now that he wasnt on the pitch, his teammates needed him more than ever.

At half-time, Cristiano was there in the dressing room, urging his team on. Stick together and keep fighting! he told them. It was still 00 there was everything to play for.

In the second half, Cristiano was there on the bench, biting his fingernails and, in his head, kicking every ball. Watching his Portugal team play without him was like torture, but what else could he do? He had to do something to help.

Just before striker Eder went on as a sub, Cristiano looked him in the eyes and said, Be strong. Youre going to score the winner, I know it.

But after ninety minutes, it was still 00. Cristiano hobbled around giving encouragement to the tired players. Keep going, lads. You can do this!

After 109 minutes, Eder got the ball, shrugged off the French defender and sent a rocket of a shot into the bottom corner.

Gooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllll
lllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cristiano went wild. He jumped out of his seat and threw his arms in the air. It hurt to jump up and down, but in that amazing moment, he didnt care. The other subs rushed onto the field to celebrate with Eder, but Cristiano was in too much pain for that. Instead, he just kept punching the air with joy. They were so close to victory now.

For the last ten minutes, he stood with Santos as Portugals second manager. He limped along the touchline, pointing and shouting instructions to the players.

Run! Defend! Take your time!

When the whistle finally went, Cristiano let out a howl of happiness as the tears rolled down his cheeks again. He hugged each and every one of his incredible teammates and thanked them.

I told you wed do it! Pepe laughed.

Cristiano took his shirt off and threw it into the crowd. The Portugal coaches had to find him a new one so that he could do his captains duty collecting the Euro 2016 trophy.