Portuguese tourism officials have launched an appeal to find the France supporter who was consoled by a Portugal fan after his country’s defeat in the Euro 2016 final. The pair were praised for their “sportsmanship.”
Portugal’s tourist board announced on Tuesday that a search was underway to find the Frenchman to invite him to visit Portugal.
Officials said they wanted the mystery fan to “get to know Portugal and experience the authentic welcome.”
Video footage showing a young Portugal fan named Mathis consoling the tearful France supporter in a Paris fan zone went viral this week. Millions of viewers praised the pair for showing “true sportsmanship” as their hug was caught on camera.
‘Authentically Portuguese’
Host nation France suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat by Portugal in the Euro 2016 final on Sunday after Eder finally managed to score after 109 goalless minutes.
The actions of the boy “communicated the intense emotions of the final and demonstrated the way to be friendly, tolerant and authentically Portuguese,” the tourist board said, adding that both he and the Frenchman were invited.
