Croatia accomplished their Euro 2024 preparations with a surprising 2-1 win over Portugal on Saturday. Zlatko Dalic's aspect despatched a warning to Group B rivals Spain and Italy by beating the Euro 2016 winners within the Lisbon suburb of Oeiras. Roberto Martinez's Portugal, one of many favourites to win the match, suffered solely their second defeat in 13 video games underneath the Spaniard. Martinez left talisman Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, whose aspect missed possibilities to equalise within the second half.
“At this time's recreation had a destructive outcome… we need to win, it's one of the best ways to maneuver ahead, however there have been some positives at present,” Martinez stated.
Portugal received all its qualifying matches, however misplaced in opposition to Slovenia in March and now in opposition to Croatia in pleasant matches.
“Profitable in opposition to Croatia doesn't make us adequate to win the match; shedding doesn't imply we received't qualify for the final 16,” Martinez stated.
“A pleasant match is all about preparation. Now we’re stronger than we had been earlier than the match… that is worldwide soccer.”
“We misplaced, Croatia deserved it, however for us it was a take a look at we wanted.”
Croatia had the higher of the primary interval in opposition to a weak host aspect and veteran Luka Modric scored his twenty fifth worldwide aim from the penalty spot after Vitina introduced down Mateo Kovacic.
Actual Madrid midfielder Modric, 38, hopes to finish his profession with efficiency within the final main worldwide match.
Manchester Metropolis defender Josco Guardiol got here shut twice, whereas Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved headers from Andrej Kramarić and Ante Budimir from extensive of the goal.
Substitute Diogo Jota equalised for Portugal within the second half however Budimir quickly restored Croatia's lead with a header that hit Mario Pasalic's crossbar.
Portugal raised their play with Rafael Leao and Joao Cancelo threatening to equalise however the guests beat North Macedonia to assert their second pleasant win.
“It's an ideal win, it’ll give us confidence for the Euros,” Modric informed Nova TV.
“Expectations are very excessive, we have now an excellent workforce, an excellent ambiance, need and enthusiasm.
“I hope we play like this… Solely with video games like this will we count on one thing large.”
Croatia will start the match in every week’s time after they tackle three-time winners Spain in Berlin.
Martinez's aspect have one last pleasant match to play in opposition to Eire in Aveiro on Tuesday.
Portugal are favourites to advance from Group F which additionally contains Czech Republic, Turkey and Georgia.
Euro 2024 will start on June 14 in Germany.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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