France determined to bring joy to nation

SAINT-DENIS, France — Eight months after a wave of attacks brought death to the streets of Paris, France’s national team takes on Portugal in a European Championship final with more than just a silver trophy at stake.

Three suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the Stade de France, killing a bystander, while France played Germany in a friendly match.

After a halting start to the tournament, France has gained in confidence, routing Iceland 5-2 in the quarterfinals and then beating World Cup winner Germany 2-0 in the semifinals.

[...] there is a genuine sense of belief — among fans and players — that France can win its first trophy since Euro 2000 and a fourth major tournament title.

France’s captain calls Euro 2016 a “great human adventure,” one where the fans have fallen definitively back in love with the team — something which appeared impossible only a few years ago.

Playing in his fourth consecutive major tournament, Lloris is one of a handful of players remaining from France’s shambolic 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa.

Back then, players shocked a nation by going on strike in training as a show of protest after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for insulting then-coach Raymond Domenech.

When they returned home, the fallout was enormous and the players were loathed by the French public, who viewed them as irresponsible and selfish spoiled brats, and they were lambasted by politicians.

Portugal defender Pepe — also Ronaldo’s teammate at Real Madrid — is available after sitting the semifinals win against Wales because of a thigh muscle injury. ...

French law enforcement authorities pledged “extremely high” security in Paris for the final, with thousands of police patrolling as hundreds of thousands of fans mass in the French capital for the match.