18-year-old Renato Sanches scores off sick assist from Nani (Video)

Renato Sanches earned the trust of Portugal coach Fernando Santos with a goal in his first Euros start.

18-year-old wunderkind Renato Sanches will be a player to watch. After Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals with arguably the worst soccer game of all time against Croatia, coach Fernando Santos decided to inject some excitement into the lineup.

Renato Sanches has only come off the bench for Portugal during the Euros, but he’s made a positive impact on the game. He was inserted into the starting lineup based on his great performances so far, and because Portugal need an offensive spark.

After Poland took a very early 1-0 courtesy of Robert Lewandowski, Portugal’s offense started to kick into high gear. They were the ones who created most of the chances throughout the rest of the first half, and finally got the equalizer when Nani dished off an amazing assist to Renato Sanches:

If you think that his performance in the Euros is going to get him picked up, well he already has been. A product of the Benfica academy, Renato Sanches recently signed a five-year deal with German giants Bayern Munich. If you’re moving to a club like that at 18, you’re clearly doing something right.

For as great as this goal was, it wouldn’t have happened if not for that slick assist by Nani, who’s been arguably Portugal’s best offensive player in this tournament. Portugal have a talented squad, and one of the two best players in the world, making them a very dangerous team when they’re on their game.

Considering a win would pit them against a very banged up Belgium squad or an inexperienced Wales team in the semifinals, they could very well have what it takes to get to the Final of Euro 2016.

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