In a pre-tournament friendly that raised eyebrows, Portugal faced Croatia at the Estádio Nacional. The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was relegated to the bench, dominated headlines. Roberto Martinez, in his first major tournament as Portugal’s manager, opted for a bold move by benching the 39-year-old superstar. The question loomed: Could the Al Nassr striker’s Saudi Pro League form translate to the high-octane, elite stage of the Euros?
The match unfolded with Ante Budimir leading Croatia’s attack. Although Budimir had yet to find his rhythm in the national team, his prolific season at Osasuna in LaLiga—where he scored 17 goals—made him an intriguing prospect. Croatia’s midfield trio of Kovacic, Modric, and Brozovic aimed to control the game.
Portugal, even without Ronaldo, showcased their quality. Fernando Santos’s decision to play without a traditional striker paid off. Bruno Fernandes provided excellent support, while Jota, João Félix, and Bernardo Silva created numerous chances. The Seleção’s performance hinted at their depth and versatility.
Ultimately, Croatia emerged victorious, defeating Portugal 2-1. The result raised concerns for Martinez’s side, but it also highlighted the unpredictability of international football. As the Euros draw near, both teams have valuable lessons to take from this encounter.
In summary, Portugal’s warm-up clash against Croatia revealed more than just a scoreline. It showcased tactical experiments, individual performances, and the lingering question: Can Portugal thrive without their talismanic captain? Only time will tell as the Euros kick off in Germany. Stay tuned for more updates
