Rensing ruins Stojković's day

The northern Portuguese town of Barcelos is more famous for the country's national emblem – o Galo de Barcelos – than for hosting the opening game of this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The legend of the Cock of Barcelos tells of a roasted rooster that leapt up from a judge's dining table to crow, as the magistrate had flippantly demanded of his intended meal, and therefore give credence to a condemned man's protestations of innocence. The avian Lazarus act followed a silent prayer of faith by the accused, and the cock remains a symbol of steadfastness, justice, good luck and hope.

Bouncing back
Four sculptures of Portugal's favourite bird sit outside the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, and were he familiar with the legend, they may have elicited a passing nod of approval from Serbia and Montenegro Under-21 goalkeeper Vladimir Stojković as he entered the ground. The giant custodian had suffered a painful facial injury three days before today's Group A curtain-raiser against Germany. Major dental treatment was required, and the 22-year-old colossus resembled a nightclub bouncer after a particularly tough shift with at least one tooth missing. However, like the people's poultry, there was no keeping Stojković down.

Čech precedent
This was a chance for the Serbia and Montenegro captain to impress. Four years previously, an unheralded goalkeeper called Petr Čech had caught the eye in similar circumstances as the Czech Republic took the trophy. The Chelsea FC No1 had just secured a transfer to French football, with Stade Rennais FC, after a successful debut season in his country's capital with AC Sparta Praha. Stojković's reputation has been similarly enhanced by winning the Serbo-Montenegrin double in his first term in Belgrade with FK Crvena Zvezda; now he too will play in Ligue 1 with FC Nantes Atlantique.

Key saves
Against Germany, he was hardly occupied in a first half where defences held sway, his contribution being limited to a routine stop from Eugen Polanski and some assured handling. In fact, it was opposite number Michael Rensing who made the greater impact. The 21-year-old recently signed a new contract with FC Bayern München, and he underlined his claim to be Oliver Kahn's eventual successor in the 35th minute. With Bosko Janković breaking clear into his area, Rensing's approach narrowed the angle and he made a vital save with his legs. A diving stop from Mirko Vučinić's free-kick directly followed the half-time break.

Fat lady sings
Rensing then gained the upper hand in the battle of the keepers as Polanski beat Stojković from distance on the hour, although the latter again showed his quality by standing up to Christian Eigler's effort as the game became stretched late on. Unlike the stuff of legends, however, there was to be no cock crow to save Stojković and Serbia and Montenegro's day; only a fat lady singing.