Portugal’s last-16 defeat of Croatia at Euro 2016 was slightly fortunate. The game was goalless in normal time, but Portugal snatched the win with just three minutes of extra-time left, as Ricardo Quaresma headed home from close-range.
Croatia dominated possession and came close to taking the lead shortly before Portugal took the lead, as impressive Inter winger Ivan Perisic headed against the foot of the post. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co took full advantage of Croatia’s poor luck.
Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric bemoaned their country’s luck against Portugal. In truth the 90 minutes of football between the two teams produced very little goal mouth action.
Portugal were not great in the group stages drawing all games three games in a group that they were expected to win. Ronaldo hit the post with a penalty kick against Austria and if the effort had found the net then it would have been very different story for Portugal.
They have been criticised and slated by some back home and around the world because they are perceived to have underperformed at Euro 2016. Ronaldo has now scored twice and picked-up an assist in his last two appearances for his country.
Croatia was regarded as one of the best performers at Euro 2016 so far, a victory over Ante Cacic’s side will give the whole team far more confidence. A quarter-final date with Poland represents a chance for the Portuguese to reach the latter stages of the competition in France.
Portugal were not regarded as a team that could win Euro 2016 at the beginning of the competition, but a country that has Ronaldo in their team will always have a chance of winning a game and silverware.