Croatia reaches quarterfinals after draw with Portugal in Split
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Joško Gvardiol scored the equaliser
Croatia secured their place in the Nations League quarterfinals after gaining a valuable point at home to Portugal in Split on Monday.
Croatia’s 1-1 draw meant that they finished one point ahead of Scotland, who beat Poland tonight to secure third place in the group.
Having already secured top spot in the group, Portugal started the match without some key players but showed no signs of disarray, exerting their authority from the outset.
They dominated possession in the first 45 minutes, capitalizing on the gaps in Croatia’s defense. João Félix made the most of this, finding the back of the net to make it 1-0 after he got rid of his marker and found himself alone in the box..
Croatia, relying on a three-man defense, struggled to contain Portugal’s sharp movements. Their best opportunity in the first half came when Andrej Kramarić struck the post, narrowly missing an equaliser.
HT | 🇭🇷 0:1 🇵🇹
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) November 18, 2024
Portugal with a one-goal advantage as the teams take a break. ⏸️ #CROPOR#NationsLeague | #PokažiSrce | #Family | #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/vBCjyxbj4W
Recognising the defensive shortcomings, Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić shifted to a back four after halftime.
This tactical adjustment energised the team, allowing them to adopt a more aggressive and proactive approach. By pressing Portugal higher up the pitch and initiating attacks earlier, Croatia took on greater risks—something they had hesitated to do in the opening stages.
Joško Gvardiol would have a goal ruled out for offside but moments later he would put Croatia level when he finished nicely from a tight angle following a cross from the right from substitute Kristijan Jakić.
Croatia should have gone ahead with ten minutes ago, but Ante Budimir could only hit a rebound straight at the Portugal keeper. Budimir would again come close, hitting the post in added time.
Croatia had some nervous moments as Portugal chased a winner, but keeper Dominik Livaković was up to all that was asked of him.
The quarterfinals will take place on 20 and 23 March 2025 and Croatia will learn their opponents when the draw is made in Nyon on Friday 22 November.
