Croatia Qualify for the Quarterfinals After Playing Out a Thrilling 1–1 Draw vs Portugal

Portugal are set for a well-deserved victory lap in Split as they wrap up their UEFA Nations League group stage with an away game against Croatia. Fresh off a commanding 5-1 win over Poland in Porto, Roberto Martinez’s squad has already locked in the top spot in Group A1.

The match saw Cristiano Ronaldo score twice, adding yet another achievement to his record-breaking international career. With qualification secured, Martinez has released Ronaldo back to Al Nassr and might rest other regulars to keep club managers happy during this demanding part of the season. Meanwhile, Poland’s recent stumble has played into Croatia’s hands; now, they need just a single point to join Portugal in the new quarterfinal phase. Croatia will look to bounce back from their surprising 1-0 loss to Scotland last time out, aiming to make the most of this final opportunity on home soil. 

Despite having already clinched their spot in the knockout rounds, Portugal came flying out of the gates, eager to make a statement. Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes wasted no time, firing early shots at Croatia’s returning goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, who handled them without too much trouble. But over in the other Group A1 fixture, John McGinn’s goal quickly turned up the heat for Croatia—if they lost here, their quarterfinal hopes would be dashed. 

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup finalists, took a bit longer to settle but soon began to show their class. Orchestrated by the brilliant midfield duo of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic, they gradually took control, looking for cracks in Portugal’s defense. In the 14th minute, Croatia carved out their first big opportunity: Portugal struggled to clear a dangerous corner from Modric, and Ivan Perisic pounced with a fierce strike on goal. But Portugal’s Jose Sa rose to the occasion with a fantastic save, keeping things scoreless and the tension high. However, a rear foray forward, Croatia quickly retreated back into their defensive shell, and it was Rafael Leao who forced Croatia on the backfoot. The AC Milan star was a constant menace down the left flank. 

Portugal were in the ascendancy, and it looked like it was only a matter of time before the Selecao scored. And that moment arrived in the 33rd minute, when Joao Felix displayed pure class as he expertly brought down a stunning through ball from Vitinha. With a quick touch and an eye for the target, the 24-year-old unleashed a fierce left-footed strike that slipped right through Livakovic's legs, putting Portugal ahead with a goal they fully deserved. At this moment, Croatia were in danger of being knocked out, as Scotland were leading 1-0 in their game against Poland. With their knockout spot at risk, Croatia went searching for an equalizer and they nearly got one. However, Andrej Kramaric’s shot cannoned out of the post.  

The half ended with Croatia needing to draw level to qualify, and after a halftime pep-talk, Zlatko Dalic’s men came out with renewed hope. Josko Gvardiol had the ball in the back of the net in the 62nd minute, but the goal was ruled out because of offside. However, Gvardiol wasn’t to be denied for too long, as he scored an equalizer just four minutes after his first goal was ruled out. This goal rejuvenated Croatia, and they now looked like the side who had the better chance to take all three points. In the 77th minute, Jose Sa pulled off an exceptional double save to deny Sucic and Budimir to keep the game level. Croatia kept pressing in search of a late winner, and in stoppage time, Budimir came agonizingly close, only to see his shot crash against the post. 

With Scotland winning their game against Poland by a scoreline of 2-1, Croatia needed a point to qualify, and they held on to secure the much-needed point in order to book their spot in the quarterfinals. They will join Portugal, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Italy in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League.