Portugal shockingly through Ricardo Quaresma scored late in the second half of extra time to seal their passage to the quarter-finals.
Croatia went into the game heavy favourites after defeating Spain in their final group game to top Group D. Portugal finished third in Group F but did not muster a single win in the group stage. For the first time since 1980, the full 90 minutes did not see a shot on target. In the end, it took a scuffed shot from the captain, Cristiano Ronaldo which fell into the path of Quaresma to tap home.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
William Carvalho and substitute Renato Sanches were the sparks as they repelled the threat of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic to a superb degree. Croatia really failed to get going in attack and it was only seconds before Quaresma’s goal when Ivan Perisic’s header slammed the woodwork.
It was a disappointing end to the career of Darijo Srna, whose extremely tough couple of weeks has left football fans worldwide with a sense of undeniable empathy.
Here’s a comprehensive rundown of each player’s performance:
Croatia
Danijel Subasic – 6: Largely untroubled until late when he did well to save Ronaldo’s shot, but only to fall into the path of Quaresma which he could ultimately do nothing about.
Ivan Strinic – 6: Solid defensively allowing Joao Mario little space to work in. Final ball lacked after getting in good positions.
Vedran Corluka – 7: Easily their best player, made some important interceptions and was an imposing figure at the back.
Domagoj Vida – 5: Not bad defensively, but allowed Ronaldo in behind late too easily. Missed some good opportunities from set pieces.
Dario Srna – 6: The last time we will see Darijo, wasn’t effective going forward, but solid down back.
Milan Badelj – 6: An industrial performance from the holding midfielder, snuffed out Ronaldo’s impact severely.
Luka Modric – 5: A poor game by his standards. Failed to impose the game at all.
Ivan Rakitic – 4: One of his worst games, lacked quality going forward and set-pieces were off. Replaced in extra time.
Ivan Perisic – 6: Their best attacking outlet, almost was the hero once again when his header crashed the post.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6: Hard working defensively, could not impact the game getting forward.
Mario Mandzukic 3: No threat, no work rate and simply couldn’t impose himself.
Substitutes:
Nikola Kalinic – 5: No impact, failed to do any better than Mandzukic.
Marko Pjaca – 6: A very bright spark off the bench, given relatively no time to impact the game.
Andrej Kramaric – N/A: On for the last few minutes for an extra striker.
Portugal:
Rui Patricio – 5: Shocking distribution, did not have much to do between the sticks.
Cedric – 6: Very good defensively, did not offer much forward.
Pepe – 7: A leader at the back, a real imposing figure in the back four. Could have scored early.
Fonte – 6: Helped by Pepe’s solidity, superb to nullify Mandzukic’s impact.
Guerreiro – 6: Similar to Strinic, good positions but poor delivery.
Andre Gomes – 4: A very poor game, replaced in the 50th minute.
Silva – 6: Good defensively, poor going forward.
João Mario – 6: A good outlet on the wing.
William Carvalho – 8: Man of the match, superb ball winning midfielder.
Nani – 6: His scuffed shot allowed for the ball to be in motion for the winner. Looked sharp without a huge impact.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 6: A very quiet game, his saved shot led to Quaresma’s winner.
Substitutes:
Quaresma – 7: The match winner, simple as that.
Renato Sanches – 7: Provided spark off the bench after a poor game from Gomes. Superb play to set up the goal.
Periera – 5: Did what he had to do without impacting the game.
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