Under-21: Portugal – Croatia, 5-1 (highlights)

THE FIGURE: Pedro Santos

What a performance from Benfica’s young midfielder. He was involved in three of Portugal’s five goals. In the first, he shot hard, the ball hit the bar and the post and it was up to Fábio Silva to finish. In the other two, he scored himself, but that’s not the only reason he deserves distinction as a figure in the game.

In addition to the goals, Pedro Santos filled the field, rarely missed a pass and was always very involved in the game. An exhibition for German – read Roger Schmidt – see.

THE MOMENT: Croatian hopes dashed to the ground (23m)

Portugal had started the game well, scoring two goals almost in a burst. However, in the first approach to the area, Croatia managed to reduce it, with a penalty well taken by Ljubicic. Croatian hopes were reborn… but they were short-lived. The 3-1, scored by Pedro Santos, practically sentenced the victory that would continue to grow until the end.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

Fábio Silva:

Like Pedro Santos, he also scored two goals. In the second, he has the merit of, in addition to converting the penalty, also winning it. He is in an excellent form and promises to end the season at the highest level, in a Glasgow Rangers team that is fighting to win the Scottish championship.

Paulo Bernardo:

The Portuguese captain left his mark on the game, scoring the fourth goal for the under-21 team. In addition to the goal, it was the team’s pendulum: it was often Paulo Bernardo who made the transition between midfield and attack. He seems to get along wonderfully with Mateus Fernandes.

Marin Ljubicic:

He was the one who scored Croatia’s only goal. And what a goal! We know how risky it is, but a penalty panenka who scores a goal… it’s always beautiful to see. Samuel Soares had no chance of defense.