When Croatia vs Portugal popped up on the UEFA Nations League calendar, fans expected fireworks. And Monday’s showdown in Split didn’t disappoint, with both teams delivering a pulsating 1-1 draw that showcased moments of brilliance, missed opportunities, and sheer footballing drama. Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal still looked sharp but lacked the clinical finishing needed to seal the win.
Here’s everything you need to know about the match, including player ratings and how the game unfolded.
First Half: Felix Shines, Croatia Stays Resilient
Portugal, coming off a 5-1 thrashing of Poland, fielded a heavily rotated side. Even with seven changes, Roberto Martinez’s squad looked confident. The opener came in the 33rd minute from the sensational Joao Felix, who controlled Vitinha’s pinpoint pass with the grace of a ballet dancer before rifling the ball between Dominik Livakovic’s legs. A goal so smooth, it deserved a standing ovation.
Croatia, however, wasn’t just there to play spectator. Andrej Kramaric fired a warning shot when his effort cannoned off the post, keeping Portuguese fans on edge. Meanwhile, Rafael Leao and Felix kept Croatia’s defense busy, showing off their flair and creating chances. Still, the first half ended with Portugal in the driver’s seat.
Second Half: Gvardiol Saves the Day
Croatia came out roaring in the second half, determined to prove they weren’t just passengers in this contest. They thought they had an equalizer early on, only for Josko Gvardiol’s header to be ruled offside. But the Manchester City star wasn’t leaving without a souvenir. In the 65th minute, he found redemption, tucking in a well-delivered cross from Kristijan Jakic to bring Croatia level.
The final 25 minutes were a rollercoaster. Livakovic denied Nuno Mendes at close range, while Jose Sa responded with a stunning save against Ante Budimir, who was later thwarted by the post. Despite both sides pushing for a winner, the match ended with honors even.
Portugal Player Ratings: Who Stood Out?
- Jose Sa (7/10): Commanded his area well and redeemed himself with a brilliant reaction save.
- Joao Cancelo (6/10): Lively going forward but shaky at the back.
- Nuno Mendes (8/10): A standout at left-back with exceptional runs and near-perfect defensive work.
- Vitinha (7/10): Sloppy at times but redeemed himself with a stellar assist.
- Joao Felix (9/10): The man of the match. His goal and overall creativity deserved better support.
- Rafael Leao (7/10): Electrifying but lacked the clinical touch to finish his chances.
- Roberto Martinez (7/10): His experimental lineup showed promise, though control slipped in the second half.
Croatia Player Highlights
- Josko Gvardiol: A rock in defense and Croatia’s savior with a crucial equalizer.
- Dominik Livakovic: Showed why he’s among the best, pulling off clutch saves to keep Croatia in the game.
- Andrej Kramaric: Unlucky to hit the post but proved a constant threat.
What’s Next?
Both teams have advanced to the Nations League quarterfinals, but their paths from here will diverge. Portugal can take pride in their depth, as even without Ronaldo, they remain a formidable side. Croatia, on the other hand, will rely on their trademark grit and the brilliance of players like Gvardiol to continue their campaign.
FAQs
Portugal showed great depth with Joao Felix and Rafael Leao stepping up, but they lacked Ronaldo’s clinical edge in front of goal.
Joao Felix scored for Portugal, while Josko Gvardiol equalized for Croatia.
Both teams have progressed to the quarterfinals, but Portugal’s draw allows them to top the group.
Felix was exceptional, scoring a stunning goal and creating numerous chances, earning him the man-of-the-match title.
Conclusion: A Match of Missed Opportunities
Croatia vs Portugal was a clash of near-misses, spectacular saves, and flashes of brilliance. While Joao Felix dazzled and Gvardiol proved his mettle, both teams will walk away feeling they could have taken all three points. For Portugal, the challenge will be maintaining this level without relying on Ronaldo. For Croatia, it’s about turning their defensive persistence into attacking precision. As the Nations League heats up, both sides remain contenders to watch.
