POR vs CRO: Modric Maestro Leads Croatia Past Portugal in Euro Warm-Up
POR vs CRO: Croatia secured a confidence-boosting 2-1 victory over Portugal on Saturday in a pre-Euro 2024 friendly match played in Barcelona. The win came courtesy of a penalty converted by midfield maestro Luka Modric, while Portugal’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo watched the entire game from the bench.
This match served as Croatia’s final tune-up before their Euro opener against Spain on June 15th. Portugal, on the other hand, has one more friendly against Ireland before their tournament kicks off on June 18th.
Modric Takes Center Stage
The Croatian captain, Luka Modric, proved his enduring quality by calmly dispatching a penalty in the second half. This goal, coupled with another Croatian strike, secured their win despite a late consolation goal from Portugal.
Ronaldo Rested
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez opted to rest his star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, for the entire match. This decision suggests Martinez might be aiming to keep Ronaldo fresh for the more important games ahead in the Euros. Gonçalo Ramos was given the nod to lead the Portuguese attack in Ronaldo’s absence.
Croatia Prepares for Battle
The victory offers a significant morale boost for Croatia’s squad. With Italy and Albania also in their group, they face a challenging path to the knockout stages. This win will undoubtedly bolster their belief as they approach their opening match against Spain.
Portugal Looks Ahead
While the result might raise minor concerns for Portugal, it’s important to remember the context. With Ronaldo rested and Martinez experimenting with the lineup, the focus may have been on evaluating fringe players rather than achieving a specific result. Portugal still enters the tournament as favorites in Group F, which also includes Turkey and the Czech Republic.
The Euros
Both Croatia and Portugal will be aiming to make a deep run in the European Championship. This pre-tournament clash provided valuable insights for their respective managers. With the Euros fast approaching, all eyes will be on these two powerhouses as they take to the field in the coming weeks.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.
