Portugal suffered a shocking 1-2 loss to Croatia in their penultimate international friendly in preparation for the 2024 Euros. Even though they were the favorites, Portugal was unable to take advantage of their opportunities, and Bruno Fernandes’ performance in particular let the supporters down.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Early in the game, Croatia seized the lead. Only minutes into the match, Portugal found themselves behind when the seasoned midfield player Luka Modric scored from the penalty spot. Portugal were uneasy after the early setback, as they struggled to generate clear opportunities in the first half.
The second half saw Portugal making key substitutions, including bringing on Diogo Jota, who made an immediate impact. Jota equalized in the opening minutes of the second half, converting a well-placed cross from Nelson Semedo. The goal sparked hopes of a comeback for the Portuguese side.
However, Croatia regained their lead shortly after. Ante Budimir, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, found the net in the second half, making it 2-1. Portugal pushed for another equalizer, but their efforts were in vain.
A significant portion of the blame from fans fell on Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United star was expected to be a creative force for Portugal but failed to deliver. Despite creating several chances, Fernandes couldn’t generate any significant opportunities that threatened the Croatian defense. His lackluster performance was evident, and fans were quick to express their disappointment on social media.
This criticism comes as a blow to Fernandes, who has been a crucial player for Manchester United. His ability to orchestrate play and score from midfield has made him a key figure at Old Trafford. However, his international form has been inconsistent, raising concerns ahead of the Euros.
Portugal’s coach will need to address these issues quickly, as the team heads into the tournament. With a talented squad, the expectations are high, and fans are hopeful that this defeat is just a minor setback.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>