Lyon (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to fulfil a lifelong dream and lead Portugal to their first ever international tournament win by shocking hosts France or world champions Germany in Sunday's Euro 2016 final. Ronaldo equalled Michel Platini's record of nine goals in European Championship finals matches by powering home the opener as Portugal overcame Wales 2-0 in Lyon on Wednesday to book their place in the final.
The Real Madrid star was on the losing side when Portugal lost their only previous final to Greece on home soil at Euro 2004. However, victory in Paris on Sunday would cap a remarkable career already boasting three World Player of the Year awards and three Champions League wins.
"We are yet to win anything, but it is the final and I don't think many people thought we would make it to the final," said Ronaldo, who has now scored three goals at this year's finals. "We are there and that fills me with pride. Now we have to make this dream come true on Sunday.
"I have broken many records before and I am still breaking records for club and country, but that comes naturally and the most important thing is to reach the final.
"Me and the boys have always dreamed of being there. I have always dreamed of winning something for Portugal and now it is just one match away.
"Dreaming is free, so let's continue to dream."
The victory was Portugal's first over 90 minutes in the whole competition. Three draws were enough to see them sneak through the group stage in third place before they saw off Croatia and Poland in extra-time and on penalties respectively.
