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Joao Felix’s brilliance was cancelled out by Josko Gvardiol’s persistence as Portugal and Croatia played out a thrilling 1-1 draw on Monday.
Portugal made seven changes from the side that thrashed Poland 5-1 at the weekend but they looked like they would have more than enough to dispose of the Croats early on.
The excellent Felix gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 33rd minute when he beautifully controlled Vitinha’s raking pass, before rifling the ball through the legs of Dominik Livakovic.
Andrej Kramaric fired a warning shot to Portugal when his effort cannoned off the post, followed by the lively Rafael Leao and Felix going close again for the away side.
Croatia improved in the second half and thought they had equalised around the hour mark, only for Gvardiol’s header to be chalked off as he was offside.
But the Manchester City defender got his goal in the 65th minute as he tucked home Kristijan Jakic’s teasing cross.
At one end, Livakovic brilliantly saved Mendes’ close-range shot, and then at the other, Jose Sa pulled off a remarkable stop to keep out Ante Budimir – who was later denied by the post as well.
Neither side couldn’t be separated in an entertaining contest as both teams progressed to the last eight of the Nations League.
GOAL rates Portugal’s players from Poljud Stadium…
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AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Jose Sa (7/10):
Commanded his area well but may be disappointed he couldn’t keep out Gvardiol’s effort. Made up for it with a brilliant reaction save late on.
Joao Cancelo (6/10):
Popped up all over the place, especially when bombing forward. Looked a tad suspect at the back, though.
Nelson Semedo (6/10):
Played on the right of a back three and was solid enough throughout. However, he was caught out for Croatia’s goal as his positioning wasn’t quite what it needed to be.
Tomas Araujo (7/10):
Largely dealt with everything Croatia’s attack threw at him before coming off with a knock.
Renato Veiga (7/10):
Was tough and physical at the back in an improved performance from the Chelsea man.
Nuno Mendes (8/10):
Arguably one of the best left-backs/left wing-backs in the world right now. Very impressive in defence and attack and nearly got the goal he deserved, only to be brilliantly denied by Livakovic.
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AFPMidfield
Otavio (6/10):
Was perhaps a tad lightweight in the centre of midfield and didn’t make much of an impact on the contest.
Joao Neves (7/10):
Went about his work quietly and competently and helped Portugal’s midfield tick over.
Vitinha (7/10):
Was a bit sloppy in possession early on but his long-range assist for Felix’s opener was quite superb.
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AFPAttack
Joao Felix (9/10):
The attacking midfielder was utilised as a striker alongside Leao and together they formed a dangerous partnership in attack. He took his goal well, some of his passes were exquisite and on another day the Chelsea man could have had a hat-trick.
Rafael Leao (7/10):
Croatia couldn’t handle his pace and dribbling ability as he played in a forward/floating winger role. The AC Milan star should have got on the goalsheet but couldn’t quite find his shooting boots and perhaps his touch let him down a tad.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Tiago Djalo (6/10):
Came on for his debut after the hour mark and did a decent enough job at the back.
Fabio Silva (5/10):
Didn’t do much when he came on, other than getting booked.
Francisco Conceicao (7/10):
One of his first contributions was to whip in a delightful cross to Mendes but he couldn’t restore Portugal’s lead.
Diogo Dalot (N/A):
Had no time to make an impact.
Roberto Martinez (7/10):
His much-changed side looked like a cohesive, well-oiled machine in the first half as Croatia struggled to deal with their counter-attacking threat. Lost a bit of control in the second half but he does have an embarrassment of riches across the pitch. His team went undefeated in the group stage which is some feat.
