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MARTIAL FLAW

Euro 2016 final: Fans’ fury after France leave Anthony Martial on the bench for 110 minutes as Portugal snatch extra-time glory

Social media users gobsmacked at Man Utd star's late arrival

Anthony Martial shares the pain but must have wondered why he was not brought on for so long

FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps sparked a bitter Twitter debate after keeping Manchester United flier Anthony Martial on the bench until AFTER Portugal's extra-time winner in the Euro 2016 final.

Pace ace Martial has been one of the enigmas of the tournaments. But many tweeters felt a disappointing Paris showpiece was screaming out for Martial's mix of tricks far earlier.

Anthony Martial shares the pain but must have wondered why he was not brought on for so long
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Anthony Martial shares the pain but must have wondered why he was not brought on for so longCredit: Reuters
Martial tussles with Jose Fonte in his 10 minutes on the pitch as France lost 1-0
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Martial tussles with Jose Fonte in his 10 minutes on the pitch as France lost 1-0Credit: Getty Images
Martial tries to console a team-mate as the hosts reflect on a narrow loss against Portugal
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Martial tries to console a team-mate as the hosts reflect on a narrow loss against PortugalCredit: Getty Images
Martial was left on the bench earlier when Andre-Pierre Gignac replaced Olivier Giroud
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Martial was left on the bench earlier when Andre-Pierre Gignac replaced Olivier GiroudCredit: Getty Images

And their frustration grew after Eder fired Portugal's thumping clincher from 25 yards 19 minutes into the extra half-hour.

Eder wheels away in delight after his extra-time opener for Portugal
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Eder wheels away in delight after his extra-time opener for PortugalCredit: Getty Images

Martial's belated arrival - a minute after the onl;y goal of the game - brought a mixed response on Twitter.

And even his introduction was a change of plan - as Leicester midfielder N'Golo Kante seemed poised to come on, only for Portugal to strike.

Earlier, playmaker Dimitri Payet had been replaced to 57th minute jeers from the crowd by Kingsley Coman.

And 20 minutes later Arsenal hitman Olivier Giroud made way for Andre-Pierre GIgnac as the French continued to founder against against a more defensive Portugal side.

 

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