Portugal vs. Croatia live score, result, highlights from 2026 World Cup knockout game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Croatia has quietly emerged as a soccer superpower over the past decade, following up its runner-up finish during the 2018 World Cup with a third-place showing in the 2022 edition of the competition.
Four years on, the Checkered Ones' spine remains the same — Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic continue to provide contributions to Zlatko Dalic's bunch, helping the nation of less than 4 million punch above its weight.
They'll get a chance to try their luck against one of Europe's heavyweights on Thursday night, taking on Portugal and its headlining striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Roberto Martinez's side has looked a bit underwhelming thus far, drawing with DR Congo and Colombia. Ronaldo struck twice against Uzbekistan, but he has failed to inspire confidence in international colors as of late — especially when compared to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and others.
Croatia has quietly emerged as a soccer superpower over the past decade, following up its runner-up finish during the 2018 World Cup with a third-place showing in the 2022 edition of the competition.
Four years on, the Checkered Ones' spine remains the same — Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic continue to provide contributions to Zlatko Dalic's bunch, helping the nation of less than 4 million punch above its weight.
They'll get a chance to try their luck against one of Europe's heavyweights on Thursday night, taking on Portugal and its headlining striker, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Roberto Martinez's side has looked a bit underwhelming thus far, drawing with DR Congo and Colombia. Ronaldo struck twice against Uzbekistan, but he has failed to inspire confidence in international colors as of late — especially when compared to the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and others.
4 months ago
