Renato Sanches shows fearless nerves in Portugal win

The teenage midfielder had a night to remember in Marseille after scoring the equaliser to cancel out Robert Lewandowski’s opener at the Stade Velodrome.

Penalties were needed after there were no more goals and Sanches once again showed his fearless attitude by coolly converting Portugal’s second attempt.

His was one of five successful kicks for Portugal who beat Poland 5-3 in the shootout to book a semi-final against Wales or Belgium, and have done so without winning a match inside 90 minutes.

“It was the gaffer who decided [the order],” he told reporters after collecting the Man of the Match award.

“Cristiano [Ronaldo] went first and I went second, I was confident enough to do it.

“I was just thinking about scoring, I was very cool and collected.  I did what I always do, picked a side and put it in there.”

Sanches earned back-to-back Man of the Match prizes after also earning the accolade in Portugal’s last-16 win over Croatia.

But the youngster, who will play for Bayern Munich next season, insists team success is more important than individual recognition.

“It is important to receive individual accolades. I am happy to be man of the match again, but the individual comes after the team,” he added.