UEFA Euro 2016 has reached its most exciting phase yet. With the conclusion of the group stages, the tone has been set for the knockout rounds. Curiously enough some mouth-watering fixtures have come a bit too early. Croatia vs Portugal ranks among with Italy vs Spain in this list. We are going to look up at 5 players who can make the difference for their respective teams
1) Ivan Rakitic
The 28-year-old Barcelona midfield dynamo has been the engine that drives the Croatian team in every match. Influential from kickoff till the final whistle. His key passes and tireless running undermined the Spanish midfield in the last game
Rakitic has raised his game to a new level thanks to being at Barcelona.and being able to watch the El Ilusionista Andres Iniesta up close and personal. The clash between the Master and his Apprentice was a feast for the eyes. The tussle was eventually decided in the favour of the apprentice and a change of guard at club level is on the way, soon.
The Portuguese midfield would have their hands full trying to contain Rakitic from imposing himself on the game. That being said, it will take a quite a bit of teamwork and clever tactics from Portuguese coach Fernando Santos if Portugal are to win tonight.
Sadly neither has yet come to the fore in the group games. We can all expect another Ivan Rakitic show tonight.
2) Ricardo Carvalho
The veteran Monaco defender will have his hands full tonight. Up against a tournament dark horse, this match is undoubtedly Portugal’s stiffest test yet. The 3-3 draw against Hungary highlighted Portugal’s defensive vulnerability and things do not look good.
Given an easy group with Iceland, Austria and Hungary to contend with, The Portuguese managed three points from three draws and qualified unceremoniously as one of the best-placed third teams in a group. They only had possession to show for and extremely vulnerable when not having the ball.
The experienced defender will have to marshal his troops against the talented Croatian attack and that certainly will not be an easy task.
3) Luka Modric
This is the news every Croatian fan has been eagerly waiting to hear. Their talismanic midfielder Luka Modric will be fit to play against Portugal. The influential Real Madrid star can make a difference on the pitch as well as off it.
As Ramos was readying to take the shootout, Srna got instructions from Modric and relayed the same to Subasic. This turned the tide of the game as Subasic saved and Croatia went on to win the game with Perisic’s late goal. Ever a team player, Modric turned the game while being on the bench
Along with El Clasico rival Ivan Rakitic, the midfield duo will be the source of creativity for the Croats. While keeping possession they will look to create chances for the forwards. Croatia are favourites to go through if the pair controls the game as expected.
4) Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese captain may not have gotten off to the best pre-match publicity. With the mic-throwing incident flooding the headlines but during the match, Ronaldo answered his critics in style.
Two goals against Hungary and Ronaldo suddenly looks rejuvenated. In the 3-3 draw, the attack was menacing in the most exciting group stage match of Euro 2016. Nani and Ronaldo will be the most likely scorers if Portugal are to find the net against Croatia.
The Portuguese team will be looking to provide Ronaldo with enough chances to bag a few more goals in the tournament and with Ricardo Quaresma struggling in the last game, it looks likely that Renato Sanches could start and provide Portugal with the cutting edge in midfield.
5) Ivan Perisic
The hero in the last group game. Croatians all over the world rejoiced when Perisic scored the winner against Spain. Not only did his goal inflict La Furia Roja’s first ever defeat in the Euros since 2004, but it marked a comeback to the big stage for Perisic.
Having been unceremoniously sold away by VFL Wolfsburg to Inter Milan, Perisic had a solid first season in Serie A. Helping Roberto Mancini’s side to 4th place and automatic Europa League qualification. The transfer rumours on him were quiet until that fateful night in Bordeaux
Croatia may be the tournament dark horses but are certainly the in-form team among the two. A weak defence against him and with adequate supply from Modric and Co., Perisic will be looking to add to his two goals from the group stages and take Croatia to the quarterfinals of Euro 2016
