VICTORY, HISTORY
Modric and Budimir goals help Croatia beat Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal - Goals in each half by Luka Modric and Ante Budimir got Croatia a historic first win over Portugal in eight matches when they beat the hosts 2-1 in an international friendly on Saturday, as Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench.
Vitinha brought down Mateo Kovacic in the box soon after kick-off, resulting in a penalty. Portugal keeper Diogo Costa rightly guessed where Modric would aim, but his dive to the right fell just short as the Real Madrid midfielder scored his 25th goal for Croatia.
But half-time substitute Diogo Jota brought Portugal level three minutes after coming on, when fellow substitute Nelson Semedo found him inside the six-yard box with a short cross from the right. The Liverpool forward made no mistake with the finish.
But Croatia restored their lead eight minutes later, despite Costa’s best efforts as he did well to deflect Budimir’s attempt to the crossbar. The rebound went right back to Budimir who headed it into the net with ease.
Portugal, who won six of their previous seven matches against Croatia, begin their Euro 2024 Group F campaign against Czech
Portugal, who won six of their previous seven matches against Croatia, begin their Euro 2024 Group F campaign against Czech Republic on June 18. Croatia face Spain in their first Group B fixture next Saturday.
Republic on June 18. Croatia face Spain in their first Group B fixture next Saturday.
‘Ronaldo’s experience key for Portugal’
Portugal will benefit from the wealth of experience veteran Cristiano Ronaldo brings to their squad, manager Roberto Martinez said ahead of this month’s European Championship in Germany.
Ronaldo, the leading scorer in men’s international football with 128 goals in 204 official matches, will be playing in his sixth Euros, having reached the final in his tournament debut in 2004 and winning the competition in 2016.
The 39-year-old’s move away from the European elite to Saudi Arabia in 2023 has raised questions about whether his career is nearing an end, but Martinez said the Al-nassr attacker still had a lot to offer.
“Cristiano had very consistent performances at his club. There is no doubt that he is an incredible scorer,” Martinez said. “He is in his sixth European Championship, and he is the only player who has played in five European
Championships. So, we are talking about achieving a unique feat in the world of soccer and his experience is important for us.
“We have 23 players. We create competitiveness and the game makes decisions. But Cristiano is prepared to help the team and give everything he can give. And there is no other player in the world of soccer who can bring what Cristiano can to the dressing room.”