The Poljud Stadium witnessed an intense clash as Croatia hosted Portugal in the UEFA Nations League 2024-25 Group A, which ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The match showcased the resilience and tactical brilliance of both teams, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Match Highlights
Portugal struck first with a well-executed goal by João Félix in the 33rd minute, assisted by Vitinha, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, Croatia fought back in the second half, with Joško Gvardiol scoring the equalizer in the 65th minute, thanks to a precise assist from Kristijan Jakić.
The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the squad was a talking point. Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martínez explained that the decision was strategic, aimed at giving younger players more opportunities despite Ronaldo’s recent impressive performances, including goals against Poland. While fans missed the 39-year-old icon, the team’s depth was evident.
Match Stats: Croatia vs Portugal
Shots: 15 vs 12
Shots on Target: 9 vs 5
Possession: 43% vs 57%
Passes: 447 vs 608
Pass Accuracy: 89% vs 89%
Fouls: 8 vs 8
Yellow Cards: 0 vs 2
Offsides: 2 vs 1
Corners: 5 vs 7
Portugal’s Renato Veiga and Fábio Silva received yellow cards in the 90th and 95th minutes, respectively, for their aggressive gameplay.
Group Standings Update
Portugal remains at the top of Group A, having accumulated 14 points from six matches, with four wins and two draws. Croatia, with eight points, is in second place, reflecting two wins, two draws, and two losses. Group A consists of four teams, with each team playing six matches in the round-robin format.
Fan Reactions and Outlook
Fans were disappointed not to see Ronaldo on the pitch, but they appreciated the thrilling contest. Croatia’s determination and Portugal’s consistent performance make both teams strong contenders in the league.
The match at Poljud was a testament to the competitive spirit of the Nations League, promising more action-packed games in the coming rounds.