Portugal, who became the first team in Euro Championship history to qualify for the second round of the competition without winning a single game produced yet another improbable result at Nice when they beat Croatia. The Croats came into the game as favourites after beating Spain to top their group. However, that will now be their last hurrah as an unconvincing performance saw them get knocked out of the competition.
A game that never had any ebb and flow to it looked destined to go for the day’s second penalty shootout. That is until the 117th minute. That’s when Ricardo Quaresma tapped the ball in from a yard out to guide Portugal into the last eight of the competition. The dagger blow was too late for the Croats to overcome as they saw an inspiring campaign come to a timid end.
Here is how each player fared in a game not many will remember in times to come.
Portugal
Rui Patrício – 6/10
Didn’t have much to do as the Croats failed to produce any shot on target. However, his distribution left a lot to be desired.
Raphaël Guerreiro – 6.5/10
Had some nifty touches throughout the game. However, lacked to deliver in the final third.
José Fonte – 7/10
Complemented Pepe at the back well and solidified his position in the team ahead of Ricardo Carvalho who started the first three games.
Pepe – 7.5/10
A really good game at the back from the Real Madrid man. Led the line well and nullified the threat of Mario Mandzukic completely.
Cédric Soares – 6/10
Not many great forays forward from the Southampton man. However, was decisive at the back.
André Gomes – 4.5/10
Didn’t have anything much to write home about from this game. Promptly substituted at half-time.
William Carvalho – 8/10
The best player on the pitch. Not only did he shield the backline well, but also won the ball back for Portugal time and gain. He also sprayed the ball around beautifully whether it be 5 yards or 50.
Adrien Silva – 6/10
Industrious shift put in. Another who failed to inspire anyone from his adventures going forward.
João Mário – 5.5/10
A good outlet on the wing. However, faded away as the match wore on.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 6/10
Came deep to get the ball in the first forty-five. However, after shifting to a 4-3-3 after the break, could hardly affect the game as teammates failed to find him.
Nani – 6/10
Looked sharp. However, couldn’t really produce anything of substance in the final third. It was his miscued shot at goal that led to Portugal scoring the eventual winner after it found its way to Ronaldo.
Substitutes:
Ricardo Quaresma – 7/10
Has to be given credit for being on the spot to tap the ball home for the winner. His only touch worth remembering.
Renato Sanches – 7.5/10
His introduction in the second half changed the complexion of the game. His robust play and nimble feet put Portugal in command.
Danilo Periera – N/A
Was brought on to shut up shop as Portugal readied themselves for a penalty shootout.
Croatia
Danijel Subašic: 7/10
Didn’t have much to do until late on. Successfully denied Cristiano Ronaldo from close range with an instinctive save, but was unlucky to see it bounce straight to Ricardo Quaresma who made no mistake from a yard out.
Ivan Strinic: 6.5/10
Lucky not to have conceded a penalty when he kicked Nani in the midriff trying to clear the ball. Otherwise, was solid defensively. The left-back also produced a couple of venomous crosses which Croatia couldn’t profit from.
Domagoj Vida – 6/10
Made his presence felt at the back, but also missed three good chances to score a goal for the Croats.
Vedran Corluka – 7.5/10
It was another excellent performance at the back from the ex-Manchester City man. Corluka made some vital interceptions whilst leading the backline.
Dario Srna – 6.5/10
Wasn’t his usual effective self going forward. However, put in a resolute performance at right back with Portugal getting hardly any joy down their left. Not the best of international swansongs.
Milan Badelj – 6.5/10
Put in a good shift; shielding the back four. With his presence at the centre of the park, Portugal hardly had anything going through the middle.
Luka Modric – 5.5/10
On Croatia’s day of reckoning, Modric failed to deliver. The Real Madrid star never really was able to come out of his shell and help the Croats grab the game by the neck with his ball play.
Ivan Perišic – 6/10
Another bad game from one of Croatia’s stalwarts. And by now, you can see how it’s becoming a theme. The sazzy new haircut didn’t go well with what he put up on the field.
Ivan Rakitic – 5/10
Taken off at extra-time with nothing much going his way either. Was quickly closed down time and again whenever he had the ball.
Marcelo Brozovic – 5.5/10
Failed to produce anything going forward quite like most of his other teammates.
Mario Mandukic – 4/10
With the former Atletico man neither being a target man, nor running the channels, Croatia were stifled with a lack of option going forward.
Substitutes:
Nikola Kalinic – 5/10
A bundle of energy, but failed to make an impact.
Marko Pjaca – 6.5/10
The only one in the red and white shirt who looked threatening. Pjaca’s willingness to run at the Portuguese combined with his guile helped set the cat amongst the pigeons at the fag end of the game.
Andrej Kramaric – N/A:
On for Corluka to find a last-gasp goal.
