Cristiano Ronaldo continues to amaze the football world with his record-breaking performances for Portugal. On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Estádio do SL Benfica in Lisbon, Ronaldo netted his 131st international goal as Portugal triumphed 2-1 over Croatia in a UEFA Nations League Group A1 clash. This historic match not only added to Ronaldo’s incredible tally but also had significant implications for both teams in the League A standings.
Portugal vs Croatia Head to Head
Portugal and Croatia have a rich footballing rivalry. Heading into this match, Portugal held a significant upper hand, with 7 wins in their previous encounters, compared to Croatia’s sole victory. Croatia, however, remained a formidable opponent, eager to challenge the Portuguese dominance. Portugal had scored 18 goals in these fixtures, with Croatia managing only 7. This match proved no less competitive, as both teams fought hard to gain an upper hand.
Portugal vs Croatia Lineups
Here are the Portugal vs Croatia lineups for today (Sep 5, 2024)
Portugal (Coach: Roberto Martínez)
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: Rúben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio
- Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Pedro Neto, Nuno Mendes
- Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (C), Rafael Leão
Substitute: José Sá (GK), Rui Silva (GK), Nélson Semedo, António Silva, João Palhinha, Pedro Gonçalves, João Félix, Renato Veiga, João Neves, Francisco Trincão, Rúben Neves, Diogo Jota
Croatia (Coach: Zlatko Dalić)
- Goalkeeper: Dominik Livaković
- Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Marin Pongračić, Šutalo, Sosa
- Midfielders: Luka Modrić (C), Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Kristijan Jakić, Martin Baturina
- Forward: Andrej Kramarić
Substitutes: Labrović (GK), Kotarski (GK), Ćaleta-Car, Moro, Budimir, P. Sučić, Perišić, Petković, Ivanušec, Pjaca, L. Sučić, Matanovic
Portugal vs Croatia First Half: Early Drama and Ronaldo’s Milestone
The match kicked off with both teams pressing hard, and it took just 7 minutes for Portugal to find the back of the net. Diogo Dalot capitalized on a defensive mix-up to put Portugal 1-0 ahead. Croatia responded with a strong counter, but Ronaldo’s brilliance soon took center stage.
In the 34th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo extended Portugal’s lead with a clinical finish from inside the box, marking his 131st international goal. Portugal was in control, but Croatia got a lifeline just before half-time when Diogo Dalot, who had earlier scored, put the ball into his own net at the 41st minute, making it 2-1.
Half-Time Score: Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Portugal vs Croatia Second Half: Croatia’s Fightback and Portuguese Resilience
The second half saw Croatia pushing harder for an equalizer. Zlatko Dalić made immediate changes, bringing in Duje Ćaleta-Car and Ivan Perišić to add fresh legs. Portugal responded by strengthening their defense, with António Silva replacing Gonçalo Inácio in the 77th minute to manage Croatia’s increasing pressure.
Both teams had opportunities in the second half, but neither could convert them into goals. Ronaldo was substituted in the 87th minute to a standing ovation, and Diogo Jota took his place to hold the line in the final minutes. Croatia’s efforts to equalize were thwarted by a resilient Portuguese defense, led by Rúben Dias and Diogo Costa’s crucial saves.
Portugal vs Croatia Full-Time Score: Portugal 2-1 Croatia
Portugal vs Croatia Stats
- Possession: Portugal 49% – 51% Croatia
- Total Attempts: Portugal 15 – 13 Croatia
- Attempts on Target: Portugal 6 – 4 Croatia
- Corners: Portugal 5 – 7 Croatia
- Passing Accuracy: Portugal 92% – 92% Croatia
- Fouls Committed: Portugal 5 – 6 Croatia
- Yellow Cards: Croatia 1 (Luka Modrić)
Portugal vs Croatia Timeline
- 7’ – Goal! Diogo Dalot scores for Portugal. (1-0)
- 34’ – Goal! Cristiano Ronaldo nets his 131st international goal. (2-0)
- 41’ – Own Goal! Dalot scores an own goal to give Croatia a lifeline. (2-1)
- 46’ – Pongračić off, Ćaleta-Car on (Croatia); Rafael Leão off, João Neves on (Portugal)
- 77’ – Luka Modrić off, P. Sučić on; Kristijan Jakić off, Ivan Perišić on (Croatia)
- 87’ – Ronaldo off, Diogo Jota on (Portugal)
Portugal vs Croatia Impact on the Points Table
Portugal’s victory cemented their position at the top of Group A1 in the UEFA Nations League, edging closer to securing a place in the knockout stages. Croatia, with this narrow loss, found themselves struggling in the mid-table, needing wins in the upcoming matches to stay in contention.
Portugal vs Croatia Man of the Match
Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Man of the Match for his incredible leadership and scoring prowess. His 131st goal not only sealed Portugal’s win but also added to his legendary status in international football.
Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia was a thrilling contest, marked by Ronaldo’s 131st international goal. Both teams displayed great resilience and skill, but Portugal’s clinical finishing, combined with their solid defense, ensured they emerged victorious. As Ronaldo continues to break records, his influence on Portugal remains undeniable, and this result strengthens their chances of progressing in the UEFA Nations League.
