Croatia vs Portugal
Croatia are most experts’ dark horses for the trophy and they justified this tag by finishing top of their group ahead of 2 time defending champions Spain.
Portugal are the only team to feature in the Round-of-16 who did not win a single group game. The good news for Portugal is that Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have found his touch again, as underlined by his brace against Hungary.
Portugal’s defence has been sloppy so far and has gifted some easy goals to the opposition. Portugal have also been extremely wasteful in attack and have failed to convert a large portion of their chances.
It’s been a disappointing tournament for Portugal, who are very lucky to be in the Round of 16, despite being winless. Portugal will need to find their touch soon, because if they don’t then Croatia are a side that will punish them.
Prediction – Most likely scoreline 1-1, and thus Extra Time and perhaps even a penalty shootout.
