Luka Modric stepped up for Croatia, scoring a crucial penalty to guide his team to a 2-1 victory over Portugal in a friendly match. This win comes as both nations gear up for the European Championship, with Croatia set to face Spain in their opening match on June 15 in Berlin.
Spain showcased their attacking prowess with a commanding 5-1 triumph over Northern Ireland. Pedri Gonzalez was the star of the show, netting his first two goals for the national team. This fine-tuning ahead of the tournament highlights Spain's readiness for the challenges in Group B, which also includes Italy and Albania.
Portugal, despite being favorites in Group F alongside Türkiye and Georgia, faced an unexpected setback as Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench. Coach Roberto Martínez opted for Gonçalo Ramos to lead the attack. The 39-year-old Ronaldo, having recently joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is poised to make a record sixth appearance at the European Championship.
The match saw Modric open the scoring in the eighth minute, converting a penalty after Vitinha fouled Mateo Kovacic in the penalty area. The Croatian midfielder, a veteran with 128 international goals, demonstrated his enduring skill and leadership on the field.
As Croatia and Spain prepare to compete against each other in a tough group, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting Euro 2024 season.
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Modric's penalty helps Croatia beat Portugal 2-1 in friendly
cgtn.com
