VS
It was a
very unlikely match to happen, but Croatia’s proof of force and Portugal’s
inability to win – or lose, for that matter – any game lead us to one of the
headlines of the last 16 round. Two strong candidates to dark horses status,
only the Croats confirmed they are ready to try and go all the way, 18 years
after their historic campaign in the World Cup in this very same France.
Inserted in a group that required full concentration from kickoff, Croatia’s
midfield talent emerged, with Modric, Rakitic, Perisic being top quality
players that destroyed the teams they faced in the group stage. They lost focus
after their fans disrupted the game against Czech Republic, but responded
fantastically against Spain, even with Cacic changing his squad. It was that
win that confirmed Croatia is a strong candidate to be in the final.
Portugal has just be disappointing. There’s very few things to motivate them after the three shockers of matches – all for different reasons – they had, but maybe the fact they haven’t lost, and that Ronaldo seems to be regaining confidence. And that is what gives Portugal some chances of qualifying. Because Ronaldo can, almost alone, win a game. Even against Hungary, with both Dzusdszak’s goals being deflected, you could argue that the Real Madrid’s goals should’ve been enough.
It will all depend how well Modric recovered from the injury, and how the Croatian midfield will be on the day. They have the quality to dominate Portugal, but they will have to be quick on the ball, and they will have a very different match from the Spain one. Because this Portugal team, in the way its set up, will gladly give up possession so they can unleash quick counters, with Ronaldo throttling them forward. With all the quality in the players involved, this promises to be one of the best matches of this round, and we hope it lives to that expectation.
Portugal has just be disappointing. There’s very few things to motivate them after the three shockers of matches – all for different reasons – they had, but maybe the fact they haven’t lost, and that Ronaldo seems to be regaining confidence. And that is what gives Portugal some chances of qualifying. Because Ronaldo can, almost alone, win a game. Even against Hungary, with both Dzusdszak’s goals being deflected, you could argue that the Real Madrid’s goals should’ve been enough.
It will all depend how well Modric recovered from the injury, and how the Croatian midfield will be on the day. They have the quality to dominate Portugal, but they will have to be quick on the ball, and they will have a very different match from the Spain one. Because this Portugal team, in the way its set up, will gladly give up possession so they can unleash quick counters, with Ronaldo throttling them forward. With all the quality in the players involved, this promises to be one of the best matches of this round, and we hope it lives to that expectation.
Croatia 60%%-40% Portugal
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