I don't think many Portugal fans expected this match to be so stressful. It was the kind of game that had me switching between hope and frustration every few minutes. In the end, Portugal got the job done with a 2-1 win over Croatia, but they made life much harder than it needed to be.
Source
To be honest, Croatia impressed me for large parts of the match. They looked comfortable in possession, defended well, and seemed to have a clear plan. When Ivan Perisic scored early in the second half, I honestly felt Portugal were in real trouble. They did not look like a team that had all the answers.
Thankfully, football can change in an instant.
Cristiano Ronaldo kept his cool from the penalty spot, and that goal totally changed the mood. People love debating whether he should still be starting, but when the pressure is at its highest, he's still someone you can trust to step up. Moments like that remind you why he's remained at the top for so many years.
One thing that really stood out to me was how much better Portugal looked after the substitutions. Gonçalo Ramos brought fresh energy, Rafael Leão became more dangerous, and suddenly Croatia were the ones being pushed back. Ramos' late winner was exactly what Portugal needed, and it proved that the players coming off the bench can make a huge difference.
Then came the moment everyone will be talking about.
Croatia thought they had found a dramatic equaliser right at the end, only for VAR to rule it out. Whether you support Portugal or Croatia, you have to admit it was heartbreaking to see a goal celebrated and then taken away. These are the moments that make football both exciting and cruel at the same time. I can understand why Croatian fans will feel disappointed for a long time.
Looking beyond the result, I still think Portugal have things to improve. Their midfield has so much quality on paper, yet there were long periods where they struggled to control the game. Against stronger opponents, they can't afford to spend so much time chasing the match.
Now comes the showdown with Spain, and I honestly can't wait. It's one of those fixtures that always delivers drama. Portugal have the experience, Spain have the confidence, and both teams have players capable of producing something special.
If Portugal play with the same fighting spirit they showed against Croatia but improve their overall performance, they will have every chance of reaching the quarter-finals. One thing is certain: they'll need to be much sharper because Spain won't let them off as easily.
For now, though, Portugal are still alive, Ronaldo's World Cup dream continues, and as football fans, we get another blockbuster to look forward to.
Posted Using INLEO
