3) Renato Sanches was an important change in midfield
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Sanches was a bright spot in an otherwise torrid game
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The game needed some physicality, at least Portugal did and that is exactly what manager Fernando Santos did in the second half when he brought on Renato Sanches for Andre Gomes in the 49th minute.
The €35 million Bayern Munich midfielder didn’t really do much in the entire tournament but he was taking the fight to the Croatian team and winning more battles in the centre of the pitch than any other player.
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Although Sanches didn’t score, it was his run deep in the second half of extra-time which led to the goal. There were glimpses of his quality on the ball but more importantly he was there to win the ball back from the opposition and give Portugal a real physical presence in the game.
Things can only get better for the 18-year-old and maybe he will start the next game against Poland.
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About the author
Saiyed Adeem Karim
Saiyed Adeem Karim is the MMA CM for Sportskeeda and started his sportswriting journey right here.
He started his career working for one of India's biggest FMCG companies. He has also worked in creative agencies, and several of his copies have been used in a range of promotions and advertisements.
Saiyed has written for several football sites between his SK stints. He also wrote WWE and MMA articles before managing teams at Mediareferee/Soccersouls.
When he isn't managing the MMA and Boxing teams at SK, Saiyed tries to relax by playing a ton of FIFA and Racing games.
Saiyed is also a big football and F1 fan and has been supporting Liverpool and McLaren since the late 90s.
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