Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in their UEFA Nations League clash at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The game started with intensity, as Portugal grabbed an early lead in the 7th minute, scored by Diogo Dalot. Croatia’s defense, struggling to keep up with Portugal’s high press, allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to double the lead in the 34th minute, following a well-placed assist from Nuno Mendes. Croatia managed to pull one back just before the first half ended, thanks to an own goal by Dalot, who deflected Borna Sosa’s cross into his own net.
One of the key struggles for Croatia in the first half was Marin Pongračić, who was deployed as the middle center-back. He found it difficult to cope with Portugal’s fast-paced attack and was notably slow to react during both goals, leading to an early substitution at halftime. Zlatko Dalić’s decision to experiment with a 3-at-the-back formation didn’t pay off, as the new setup didn’t work against Portugal’s dynamic wingers and full-backs, who easily exploited gaps in Croatia's defense.
However, the second half saw a much-improved Croatian side. In the 61st minute, Igor Matanović made his national team debut, instantly creating chances and winning aerial duels. Although none of his shots found the back of the net, his debut in the checkered kit was promising. Six minutes later, Luka Sučić entered the game and made an impact, completing 21 out of 21 passes. Sučić proved to be a vital creative force and showcased why he should be a regular starter for the national team.
Another standout debut came from Petar Sučić, who replaced Luka Modrić in the 77th minute. Playing in the number 6 role, Petar delivered an outstanding performance, proving himself to be a solid option for Croatia's midfield. The Croatian Football Federation’s decision to secure him from Bosnia appears to be paying off. Together, the Sučić cousins and Matanović demonstrated that they are the future of this national team. If Dalić doesn’t embrace this next generation soon, there will be issues.
The takeaways from this match are clear, Croatia’s squad is aging, and it’s time to give youth a chance. Dalić has shown a great deal of loyalty to his older players, but the second half clearly demonstrated the potential of the younger talent. A new-look midfield featuring Petar Sučić, Mateo Kovačić, and Luka Sučić, with Martin Baturina rotating in, should be the way forward. Once Kovačić steps aside, a trio of P. Sučić, L. Sučić, and Baturina should be Croatia’s midfield room.
Today’s defeat should serve as a wake-up call for Dalić it's time for change. Trusting the young players is the key to maintaining Croatia’s status as a football powerhouse.
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