Expanded Euro format did Portugal a favor (Reuters)

By Patrick Vignal PARIS (Reuters) - The expanded European soccer Championship format with 24 teams in the finals instead of 16 contributed to fairytale runs by so-called minnows at Euro 2016 but also helped Portugal lift their first major trophy. Portugal did just that, finishing third in their group and going on to win the tournament with a 1-0 victory in extra time over hosts France in Sunday's final. Cristiano Ronaldo's side qualified for the last 16 with three draws and have won only one match in the entire competition over 90 minutes.