Defeat all the more painful as French were in dire need of good news after tumultuous period of terrorism and civil unrest
What a tragic rollercoaster of a time for France. Bombs and savage murders, widespread floods that affected the heart of Paris, a series of violent strikes and then Britain’s Brexit vote – and the disruption still to follow. Thank goodness for the reassuring spectacle of the Tour de France and the chance of glory hosting football’s Euro 2016 championship.
But no. The Tour is still whizzing through the towns and villages of the republic in all their magnificent diversity – we watched it pass close to our holiday destination in the south-west the other day. However, Portugal’s 1-0 win over their more fancied French rivals on Sunday night left the same communities feeling distinctly gloomy.
Related: Andrea Leadsom to pull out of Tory leadership race, BBC reports – Politics live
Related: France makes strong bid for banking business poised to leave London
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Sig Nordal 