Portugal ends Croatia story in extra-time

Croatia national football team lowered the curtain at UEFA EURO 2016 in France in the Round of 16, losing to Portugal in Lens.

No team was allowed space and time to develop attacking play in the first half due to tough, organized performances on both sides of the pitch.

Portugal's single threat came in 25th minute through Pepe's header, and Croatia responded with Perišić's breakthrough on the right, but he missed at the near post. Mandžukić had a half-chance with his header, some space opened for Strinić in the closing minutes of the first half, but there was no trouble for the Portuguese keeper.

The second half did not bring many changes, with Brozović and Sanches missing their efforts, while Vida came really close with a header in 62nd minute.

Therefore, extra-time was needed, and Croatia started to put the pressure on the Portuguese. N. Kalinić and Brozović shot wide, and Vida missed another great opportunity in 113th minute.

Three minutes later, N. Kalinić was just inches short to convert Perišić's cross, and Perišić himself hit the woodwork in the follow-up. Portugal took this opportunity to counterattack, and while Subašić managed to stop Ronaldo, it was Quaresma on the rebound to score.

Vida saw his last-minute effort go wide once again, and Portugal is going to face Poland in the quarterfinals on 30 June in Marseille.

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