Modric on target as Croatia beat Portugal in pre-Euro 2024 friendly

Portugal’s Euro 2024 preparations were firmly tested as Roberto Martinez’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat against a resolute Croatia.

Portugal, who could be considered among the favourites to win the tournament in Germany, were guilty of a flat first-half performance, as they fell a goal behind through Luka Modric’s penalty on eight minutes.

The hosts struggled to provide any real attacking impetus – despite enjoying much of the possession – as Croatia looked dangerous on the break with the pace of Josko Gvardiol from left-back key to their forays forward.

It looked as though Martinez’s half-time team talk and four changes would aid Portugal to a second-half comeback, as substitute Diogo Jota fired home an equaliser three minutes after the break. However, Croatia soon regained a foothold and restored their lead through Ante Budimir.

And it was the visitors who looked most likely to score again in the tie, with 21-year-old Luka Sucic denied by a great Diogo Costa save after an exquisite, one-touch passing exchange with Bruno Petkovic.

Martinez turned to his bench to look for an effective game-changer, but opted to leave Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined throughout the friendly encounter. The 39-year-old also did not feature against Finland on Tuesday, but has the chance to gain pre-Euros minutes in Portugal’s final friendly against Republic of Ireland in three days’ time.

Croatia’s attentions now turn to the tournament in Germany, with their opener against Spain next Saturday.

Much has been made of the likely diminished role Ronaldo is likely to have at this year’s Euros. And Martinez’s reluctance to use the 39-year-old as a substitute to try and alter his side’s fortunes could be seen as an indication of his usage this summer.

On Friday, Martinez described Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal set-up this summer as “unique.” A crucial, binding character in the dressing-room, but how much of an impact can he make on the pitch?

He has been in fine form for Al-Nassr this season, but there are still many question marks over the intensity of the Saudi Pro League and how it compares to major competitions for players still wishing to be in international contention.

Besides a 10-15 minute spell at the start of the second half, Portugal’s attacking players were largely anonymous. Their best chances towards the end of the match came via centre half Ruben Dias. Ronaldo, unquestionably, has enough quality to still offer a dynamic option up top for Portugal, but it remains to be seen how many minutes he will actually be given in Germany.

The defender played a large part in Manchester City’s title-winning campaign, but seeing such a performance in a Croatia shirt was reminiscent of the fantastic performances that put him on the map at the 2022 World Cup.

Gvardiol made a crucial intervention to stop a likely goal from Bernardo Silva early on, and was a constant threat with his pace down the left flank.

Portugal: Costa 6, Dalot 5, Dias 7, Inacio 5, Mendes 6, Fernandes 6, Palhinha 5, Vitinha 4, Silva 5, Ramos 5, Felix 4. Subs: Semedo 6, Leao 5, Jota 6, Cancelo 6, Neto 5, Nunes 5.

Croatia: Livakovic 7, Stanisic 7, Sutalo 7, Pongracic 6, Gvardiol 8, Brozovic 6, Modric 7, Kovacic 7, Kramaric 6, Budimir 7, Majer 7. Subs: Perisic 7, Pasalic 6, Sucic 6, Petkovic 6, Vlasic 6, Ivanusec 5.

8′ GOAL! PORTUGAL 0-1 CROATIA (MODRIC) Croatia captain Modric slots a perfect penalty into the bottom left corner, despite Costa diving the right way. Modric ever-reliable. Vitinha, the culprit of the spot-kick, showing he isn’t infallible after a classy performance against Finland last time out.

43′ CROATIA SHOULD BE TWO AHEAD Two fantastic chances for Croatia and they really should have doubled their lead. Gvardiol is fantastically picked out as he charges in behind down the left, his low cross is met by Kramaric, but the Hoffenheim striker sees his effort denied by Costa. Stanisic revives the attack with a great header towards Budimir, but the striker could only divert his headed effort wide from yards out.

48′ GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-1 CROATIA (JOTA) That looked too easy! But what an impact from a couple of substitutes. Silva expertly finds Semedo, who strolls towards the byline and puts it on a plate for Jota, who couldn’t miss from yards out and the whole goal to aim at. A great move, but the Croatian defence didn’t even get close to the hosts.

57′ GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-2 CROATIA (BUDIMIR) That came from nowhere! It seemed Portugal would be the ones to pull further ahead based on the tempo of the game, but Croatia restore their lead. Perisic’s cross causes havoc and as Portugal look to clear their lines, Pasalic pings a sweet effort against the crossbar from outside the box. Budimir, as he has shown many times for Osasuna this season, in the right place at the right time to slot home with ease.

82′ SUCIC CLOSE TO WRAPPING THINGS UP A fantastic, one-touch exchange between Petkovic and Sucic ends with the latter being slotted through on goal with just Costa to beat. His low effort is very well-saved by the Portuguese ‘keeper, to keep Portugal in the game.

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