Sanches out of EUROs despite win

Renato Sanches and the Portugal U21 side have narrowly missed out on progression to the semi-finals of the European Championship in Poland. The Portuguese did manage to beat Macedonia 4-2 on Friday evening but finished second in Group B and therefore will not progress to the knock-out stage due to their inferior goal difference compared to Slovakia in Group A.

Edgar Ie, Bruma and Daniel Podence all scored for Sanches’ side in Gdynia, before the Bayern midfielder was substituted shortly before the hour. Goals from Enis Bardhi and Kire Markoski for Macedonia destroyed any hope of a Portuguese progression. Portugal’s Diogo Jota was also sent off in the closing moments of the game.

Only the three group winners and the best second-placed team reach the knock-out stage of the U21 EUROs.