Croatia completed their Euro 2024 preparations with a convincing 2-1 friendly victory over Portugal on Saturday.
Zlatko Dalic’s team defeated the Euro 2016 winners in the Lisbon suburb of Oeiras, sending a warning to Group B rivals Spain and Italy.
Portugal, one of the tournament’s favourites, suffered only their second defeat in 13 matches under manager Roberto Martinez.
Martinez kept talisman Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench as his team squandered opportunities to equalise in the second half.
“Today’s game had a negative result… we want to win, it’s the best way to grow, but today there are also positives to take,” said Martinez.
Portugal won all of their qualifying games, but lost friendly to Slovenia in March and now Croatia.
“Winning against Croatia doesn’t make us good enough to win the tournament, losing doesn’t mean we will not qualify for the last 16,” continued Martinez.
“A friendly game is about preparation. Now we are stronger than before the game… this is international football.
“We lost, Croatia deserved it, but for us, it was a test we needed.”
Croatia got the best of the first half against the subdued hosts, with veteran Luka Modric scoring his 25th international goal from the penalty spot after Vitinha felled Mateo Kovacic.
Real Madrid midfielder Modric, 38, is hoping to finish strong in what will most likely be his final major international event.
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol went close twice, while Porto custodian Diogo Costa saved Andrej Kramaric and Ante Budimir headed wide.
Substitute Diogo Jota equalised for Portugal early in the second half, but Budimir quickly restored Croatia’s lead with a header after Mario Pasalic struck the crossbar.
Portugal improved their game, with Rafael Leao and Joao Cancelo causing havoc in pursuit of a leveller, but the visitors held on for their second friendly success after defeating North Macedonia.
“It’s a great victory, it will give us confidence for the Euros,” Modric told Nova TV.
“Expectations are high, we have a very good team, a great atmosphere, desire, and enthusiasm.
“I hope we will play like this… only with this kind of game can we expect something big.”
Croatia will open the competition against three-time champions Spain in Berlin in a week.
Martinez’s team has one more tune-up friendly against Ireland on Tuesday in Aveiro.
Portugal are the favourites to progress from Group F, which also includes the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Georgia.
Euro 2024 starts on June 14 in Germany.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
