Rosy Portugal future, even as Ronaldo ages
The Portugal flags which thousands waved at the Nations League final victory over the Netherlands could well be recycled on Monday - the country's national day, in honour of the poet Luis de Camoes who died on June 10, 1580.
That alone would be be cause for celebration but Goncalo Guedes's lone goal against the Dutch in Porto ensured the party could start hours before midnight on Sunday.
"The national side is a manifestation of a nation," coach Fernando Santos. "It's there for the people of Portugal.
"Today is the eve of Portugal national day and tomorrow that day will be even sunnier. A winning nation has an even sunnier national day."
Santos, 64, has now guided Portugal to two titles in the space of three years after previous golden generations failed to win any silverware.
While Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the trophy for Portugal in what could have been his home swansong, Santos believes there is no cause for concern.
"If truth be said this team marks the future, the future is here, outside the door," he told reporters.
Portugal shocked hosts France to win EURO 2016 but the team has not stood still since then.
"Since 2016 Portugal has changed their history and won a trophy again," the 34-year-old Ronaldo said.
"The goal for this match was to win and to play well.
"For sure this national team will be even better and the younger players will play more."
Ronaldo, who has 88 international goals in 188 games, said he remains "motivated" to play for the national but admitted he would not go on forever.
"There is going to be a day that I do not come to the Selecao, but there are still many, many years left," he said.
However, when that day comes, Portugal seem to have the depth to cope.
Defender Ruben Dias, just 22, was named man of the match against the Netherlands while Guedes is the same age.
Benfica's 19-year-old prodigy Joao Felix made his international debut against Switzerland in the semi-final while arguably the pick of the bunch is the magnificent Bernardo Silva.
The 24-year-old was named player of the tournament having completed a four-trophy season after enjoying an English domestic treble with Manchester City.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman admitted his men - who had one day less to recover from their semi-final than Portugal - were second best in the final.
"You have to be better with the ball and we were not... we were not good enough tonight," he said.
Meanwhile, England defeated the Swiss 6-5 on penalties in Guimaraes to seal third place.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford scored his side's fifth penalty and moments later brilliantly saved Josip Drmic's spot kick to end the game with the only miss in the shootout.
