Thomas Sinicki, Media365: Posted on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:14 p.m.
The Croats, as always, will be among the top outsiders (or even the best) at Euro 2024.
Just over a week before the start of the Euro Championship, on June 18 against the Czech Republic (in Leipzig), Portugal surprised its guest Croatia (1-2) at its national stadium in Lisbon, the former historic home of the national team. The team until 2003. Without Cristiano Ronaldo, who remained on the bench after ending his Saudi season with Al-Nassr only last weekend, the Portuguese soon conceded Luka Modric's first goal from a penalty kick (eighth) converted by Vitinha – the 26th goal for the Madrileños. Goal in 175 international matches.
Croatia – Spain in a week in Berlin, the first very big shock for the euro
After a major review of the team at half-time, Roberto Martinez replaced Dalot, Joao Felix, Gonzalo Ramos and Nuno Mendes, along with Semedo, Rafael Leao, Diogo Jota and Joao Cancelo, and Diogo Jota quickly equalized (1-1, minute 48). The Croats also took turns before the hour mark, with Kramaric, Mader and Modric eliminated by Perisic, Pasalic and Socic, and almost immediately Ante Budimir restored the advantage to the vice world champions, with a difference of less than ten goals. Minutes after the Portuguese's return (1-2, minute 56).
Although it may seem unbelievable, this is Croatia's first ever victory over Portugal, and also the first home defeat for the Portuguese in a friendly match since 2018. Both teams can now move on to the final stage in Germany, where they will face the Croats. Spain is exactly a week away from Berlin for the first very big shock to the Euro (Saturday 15 June at 6pm). They just won their sixth straight game.
