The croats have been perennial dark horses in every tournament since 1998 world cup in which they suprisingly came third. They are blessed witha fantastic midfield in Real madrid's Luka Modric, Barcelona's Ivan rakitic and Inter's Ivan perisic has been in devastating form all through the tournament marauding down the flank. With Juventus striker Mario Mandukic leading the line the croats have a good change against the portuguese. Inexplicably the portuguese defense is likely to feature former chelsea and Real madrid man Ricardo carvalho who is now 38 and the current Real Madrid CB Pepe who has a reputation of being a dirty player. Portuguese right back Vieirinha's ability as a defender will be put to test by Ivan perisic. While Vieirinha can hold his own against the best (Like he did against Ronaldo in the champios league this year) - hes still attack minded and the speed and agility of perisic will give him problems. And the pacy and aggressive Mario mandzukic will be a handful for Pepe and carvalho. Mandukic doesnt particularly have a prolific scoring record in the recent past with the Juventus man scoring just one goal in qualifying and none in the EURO 2016 so far. But with Rakitic and modric in form crotia can rule the roost. Crotian defense however will have their own set of problems against Ronaldo and Nani. They will have to concentrate and ensure they dont press the self destruct button like they did against Czech republic.
Portuguese captain Ronaldo seems determined to ensure his team progresses.We have seen him throw a microphone of a reporter away and surely he is having trouble in accepting the results. Monaco's Joao Moutinho is struggling with injuries and form and they were able to get some rythm in passing only once the 18 year old team sensation Renato sanchez was introduced into the field in the second half If fernando santos has any brains at all he will atleast now understand that the team plays better with sanchez and will start him. If ronaldo shows the same fire works as he did against hungary the game will most likely be decided based on penalty shootouts or in extra time.
Prediction : Win to Croatia on Penalties
Portuguese captain Ronaldo seems determined to ensure his team progresses.We have seen him throw a microphone of a reporter away and surely he is having trouble in accepting the results. Monaco's Joao Moutinho is struggling with injuries and form and they were able to get some rythm in passing only once the 18 year old team sensation Renato sanchez was introduced into the field in the second half If fernando santos has any brains at all he will atleast now understand that the team plays better with sanchez and will start him. If ronaldo shows the same fire works as he did against hungary the game will most likely be decided based on penalty shootouts or in extra time.
Prediction : Win to Croatia on Penalties
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