In a thrilling encounter in Split, Croatia and Portugal played out a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Nations League, that saw both teams progress to the quarter-finals. Joao Felix opened the scoring for Portugal, but Josko Gvardiol equalized for Croatia, securing the point they needed to progress..
Match Overview
The match took place at Stadion Poljud in Split, where Croatia needed at least a point to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Portugal, having already clinched the top position in their group, opted to rest several star players, including their captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
Despite the changes, Portugal started strong, with Rafael Leao and Joao Felix creating several chances. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Felix latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Vitinha, controlling it expertly before firing a low shot past Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Croatia’s Response
Croatia, needing a point to advance, responded with urgency. Andrej Kramaric came close to equalizing just before halftime, hitting the post with a powerful shot. The home side continued to press in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 65th minute.
Josko Gvardiol, who had a goal disallowed for offside earlier in the match, found the net after connecting with a cross from Kristijan Jakic. Gvardiol’s goal marked his first international goal since the 2022 World Cup, and it was crucial for Croatia’s progression in the tournament.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Croatia | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 15 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 5 |
| Possession | 43% | 57% |
| Corners | 5 | 7 |
| Fouls | 8 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 2 |
Conclusion
The draw was a fitting end to the group stage for both teams, with Portugal finishing at the top and Croatia securing the second spot. The match showcased the depth of talent in both squads and set the stage for an exciting quarter-final round in the UEFA Nations League. Fans can look forward to seeing how both teams perform as they continue their campaigns in March.
