By Josko Gvardiol’s second-half equalizer earned Croatia a vital 1-1 draw against Portugal Monday at Pojlund Stadium, securing the Vatreni’s place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
The Manchester City defender struck in the 65th minute, running onto substitute Jakic’s curling cross to finish from a tight angle at the back post. The goal answered Joao Felix’s 33rd-minute opener, scored on his first Portugal start since June with a clinical finish after a perfectly timed run behind Croatia’s defense.
Croatia, needing just a point to advance, weathered early Portuguese pressure before growing into the match. Andrej Kramaric struck the post in the 40th minute, while Portugal’s Rafael Leao threatened multiple times, including a sharp first-half shot that required a strong save.
“We showed great character to come back and get the result we needed,” Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said. “Gvardiol’s goal was crucial, and the team’s resilience in the second half made the difference.”
The match, played without Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo who was not named in the squad, saw both sides create late chances. Croatia’s Ante Budimir struck the upright in stoppage time, while Portugal pressed for a winner that would have jeopardized the hosts’ qualification hopes.
Luka Modric, substituted in the 78th minute for Moro, orchestrated Croatia’s midfield before his departure as the 2018 World Cup finalists secured their place in the knockout stages alongside group rivals Scotland, who defeated Poland in their final match.
The result maintains Croatia’s impressive record in the Nations League, a competition where they have consistently performed well since its inception. Portugal, already eliminated before the match, showed flashes of quality but couldn’t prevent Croatia’s progression to the quarter-finals.
