Fernando Santos' side endured a frustrating start to their UEFA Euro 2016 campaign, as they barely survived the group stage. They then had a slight edge over Croatia, beating Rakitic's team in extra time. Next, the Portuguese lads met up with Lewandowski's Poland in the quarter-finals and continued to use their luck, as Ronaldo and Co. managed to reach the semi-final, overcoming the Polish side in a penalty shoot-out.
However, against Wales, Santos' men gave an impressive performance with a convincing 2-0 win to reach the final in Paris.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Portugal midfielder Joao Mario stressed the importance of the final, saying it will be the 'game of our lives'.
"The French team are playing at home and they have every right to think about winning but we have our own mission, we know about our past against France.
"I'm certain that the whole group will think of it as the game of their lives because Portugal have never won a title.
"We want to make history, we can go down in Portuguese history. There is nothing like playing in a competition like this for our country."
The Sporting Lisbon player added:
"I have lost a final last year and I hope this year things are different.
"I am certain that 100 per cent of the Portuguese believe that Portugal will win and that is what we want to believe, that is what we want to dream."
Mario also spoke about coach Fernando Santos and only had words of praise for his manager.
"From the first day he gave us the idea of winning the European Championship, from the first day he was with us, and the squad began to believe more and more that it was possible.
"We believe in our ideas and it's an all or nothing for us.
"I've got a lot of motivation to win. In this part of the season, taking part in a final in this moment in my career, I don't think about the physical issue. This is a unique opportunity and I want to make the most of it if I'm picked.
"Our team is a mix of youth with some experience, it was the perfect combination, that is what brought this.
"There are some older players who give us advice above all, the coach has given us these chances and we have to make the most of them.
"The age of the player does not really count, the coach picks us on what the players can produce."
Ronaldo and Co. will face Payet's France in an anticipated final clash at the Stade de France.
Détails du match, résultat et infos sur la première diffusion
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