Renato Sanches saves Portugal

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Football Soccer - Poland v Portugal - EURO 2016 - Quarter Final - Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France - 30/6/16 Portugal's Renato Sanches celebrates after scoring their first goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach Livepic - RTX2J3ZB
  • Post published:June 30, 2016

Renato Sanches starred for Portugal as they defeated Poland in a dramatic penalty shootout win to book their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

In a closely contested game the possession of the sides was more or less equal with Poland controlling 51 percent of the ball compared to Portugal’s 49 percent, reports SASoccermag’s Opta-powered match stats.

Portugal had more shots on goal then Poland, taking 15 compared to nine efforts respectively, while both sides were resigned to shots from distance for much of the match.

The hero on the night for Portugal was 18-year-old midfield sensation Renato Sanches. The player was instrumental in keeping momentum in Portugal’s midfield, while he also scored their crucial equaliser and netted his penalty in the shootout.

Sanches had 82 touches of the ball during his time on the field, while he also managed two tackles and three interceptions. Sanches also made 51 of his 54 attempted passes.

 

Photo: Reuters