S.Ravi Seshu

This Sunday (July 10, 2016) remains a gold-letter day in the history of two most popular sports-Lawn Tennis and Football- because of two highly talented sport stars, who chased a long-nurtured dream and realised it in style with dogged determination and an iron will. Great Britain’s Andy Murray and Portugal’s Christiano Ronaldo are the heroes of the super Sunday!

Murray, who had put an end to 77 years of British wait by trouncing World No.1 Novak Djokovic to win the maiden Wimbledon title in 2013, collected his second after beating the in-form Canadian Milos Raonic 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) last night. Emotions abound, the 29-year-old Murray wept into his towel after winning the title in the 2-hour-48-minute battle.

“I feel happier this time, I feel, yeah, more content this time. I feel like this was sort of more for myself more than anything, and my team as well. Last time it was just pure relief, and I didn’t really enjoy the moment as much, whereas I’m going to make sure I enjoy this one more than the others,” an elated Scot, who didn’t get a chance to encounter the ‘Big Four’, said.

While Andy brought cheers to the home crowd, Ronny’s Portugal team inflicted a severe jolt to the host of the European Championship, France, in a much-hyped finals that went up to 2.30 am on Monday. The title favourites France was sent packing by a substitute Eder with a goal 11 minutes to go in the extra time even as the injured captain marshaled his troupes from the sidelines. The Real Madrid forward rose to the occasion when mattered and set up the summit clash with the mighty France.

Ronny was in tears while being taken off on a stretcher following a harsh tackle by Frenchman Dimitri Payet resulting in a knee injury in the first half in a match. Portugal fans went to mournful mode while French supporters jumped with joy knowing well that the dice is now fully loaded against the rivals. In their previous 10 meetings, France had won all of them. Exactly 12 years ago, Ronaldo was left in tears when Euro-2004 host Portugal was thrashed by Greece 1-0. Not to revisit the deadly ghost of the past, the injured Captain gave a highly emotional pep talk to his teammates in the half-time and apparently it worked wonders.

Portugal goal keeper Patricio thwarted France attack effectively, while the central defenders Pepe (man of the match) and Jose Ponte displayed a magical show to end the title-drought.

Ronaldo termed the triumph as an “unforgettable” experience. “I’m so happy — very happy. This was something I have wanted for a long time now, ever since 2004. I asked God to give me another chance. The Portuguese people deserve this; our players deserved this,” the star footballer said. This victory gave Ronaldo a European double of club and international crowns this season after Real Madrid won the Champions League title over city rivals Atletico Madrid in May.

He added: “We beat France and I’m delighted. This is one of the happiest moments in my career. 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. This is a unique moment for me, for all the Portuguese people and it’s unforgettable.”