3) Renato Sanches was an important change in midfield
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.
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.
