How Celtic man fared as Portugal kick off U21 Euros campaign

The National

a day ago

The match was both nations' first of the Under-21 European Championships, which are being held in Slovakia this summer.
Portugal and France are in Group C, alongside Poland and Georgia, who themselves faced off tonight, the latter emerging 2-1 victors at the home of MSK Zilina.
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In Trencin, Bernardo captained his country and put in an adequate performance in midfield as they picked up a point. Although the Celtic man completed 94 per cent of his passes, he also missed two big chances.
Portugal, in total, had three shots on target to France's four. Possession was relatively split, at six per cent in favour of the French.
Bernardo and his teammates now turn their attention to their matchday two clash with Poland, which takes place on Saturday, June 14 at 2pm. They round off their group campaign with a game against Georgia on Tuesday, June 17, which kicks off at 5pm.
The two top teams from each of the four sections then progress to the quarter-finals.
At the Under-21 Euros, a new UEFA rule, which will be rolled out next season, is being enforced for the first time. It will only allow goalkeepers to hold the ball for a maximum of eight seconds, or else a corner will be awarded to the opposing team.
"The eight-second count begins when the goalkeeper has full control of the ball and is not being challenged by an opposing player," say UEFA.
"The referee will visibly count down the final five seconds, ensuring the goalkeeper can see the countdown.
"If opponents begin to pressure or obstruct the goalkeeper during the countdown, the referee will stop the count and award an indirect free kick in favour of the goalkeeper."