Match Report: Croatia 1-1 Portugal
‘Jide scores a stunning goal, but Denrele equalizes late in the game.’
A stunning 40-yard free-kick from Jide and a thunderous outside of the box shot from Denrele leaves both teams searching for their first victory in the competition.
Portugal started the game brightly, looking to win their first game of the competition. They pressed Croatia’s backline into making numerous mistakes, but their own sweeper-keeper, Amako, kept them in the game. He was able to keep his team in the game, making multiple sweeping clearances and saves. A back pass was played to Amako in the first half, but he miskicked the ball.
It eventually landed at Elvis Chuk’s feet, but Amako made up for his mistake by beautifully tipping it over the bar. As the half continued, Croatia started to get a better feel of the game. Then in a spectacular turn of events, Croatia scored a wonder goal. Jide took a free-kick from 40 yards out and the ball bouncy nicely for Croatia in front of the Portugal keeper, Jordan, who misjudged the flight of the ball and ended up in the post. After the goal, the Croatia players were oozing with confidence and began to dominate play. Then from a counter, Chukwudi had a golden opportunity but sent the ball over.
In the second half, Croatia’s domination grew. There best chance of the game occurred when a through ball split open Portugal defence and fell to Ewo. Ewo then made the right decision and sliced it across the goal for Iyidobi. Iyidobi, doing his best Werner impression, skied the ball over the bar and wasted the best opportunity of the game. After that miss, Portugal players knew they had to step up. Captain Renle then took it upon himself to equalize the game. A long ball over the Croatia defence landed at Fikun who excellently controlled the ball with his chest then laid it off to Denrele. Denrele saw that Amako wasn’t positioned properly in his post and blasted the ball home from 25 yards. He wasted no time in celebrating and ran after the loose ball. It was too little too late for Portugal as both teams settled for a draw.
Other match of the day:
France 0-0 Italy
The league leaders, France, were held to a stalemate by one of the leagues meanest defences, Italy. Both keepers were called to action multiple times throughout the game but were able to keep their teams in it. Boy wonder, Makram was impressive this match having 3 key passes, 2 shots and 1 foul against. Zanka also had a free-kick which scratched the top of the crossbar. Charis was frustrated with his lack of chances and got a yellow card. Tomi also put up an impressive display, but he squandered a golden chance by passing to an offside Charis when he was through on goal. Italy also had their own chance with a cross from Cheirika reaching Da Silva, but Anthony tipped it wide. Jakes was almost left red-faced as he almost deflected the ball into his own net. Both captains would be happy to see the game conclude in a draw at the end, since it could have gone any way.
Next up:
Italy vs Belgium
Belgium vs Croatia
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