So, it turns out it wasn't Ronaldo that won the European Championships for Portugal, nor was it the tactical acumen of their pragmatic coach, Fernando Santos, nicknamed "The Engineer" who ensured that the underdogs beat the tournament hosts France to claim their first ever major trophy.
No, according to their much lauded coach it was the teams faith and belief that has carried them through a near constant criticism throughout the tournament to claim the biggest prize in European football.
"First of all, I would like to thank God, the Father, for this moment and for everything in my life,” Santos told the gathered press after an extra-time goal by Eder in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, had won it for them. "We have an amazing group. They've always believed what I told them: that we could win this."
The Portuguese coach went on to thank family, friends and colleagues before dedicating the victory to Jesus and Mary.
“Lastly, but most importantly, I want to speak to my best friend, and His mother, to dedicate this victory to Him and thank Him for having chosen me," Santos said. "For having given me the gifts of wisdom, humility and perseverance to guide this team, and for having guided me and lit my way. That all I do, hope and wish for may be for the greater glory of His name.”
Fernando Santos is a devout Catholic who often speaks publicly about his faith, which he attributes in a large part to his experience in the Cursillos movement.
Meanwhile, captain Ronaldo who was forced out of the game in the first half with a knee injury was also quick to praise God for Portugal's victory - citing the disappointment he felt as a losing player in 2004 when Portugal lost the final at home in Lisbon to Greece.
"I'm so happy – very happy. This was something I've wanted for a long time now, ever since 2004. I asked God to give me another chance," the captain of Portugal told Uefa.com. "Unfortunately, things didn't go well for me. I injured myself in the first few minutes. But I've always believed in these players. They have quality and ability, along with our coach's strategy to win."
"I've always said I wanted to win a trophy with the national team and make history. And I did it. Thank God, things went well for us."
Additional reporting by Filipe Avillez in Lisbon
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