The chronicle of Portugal-Croatia, 5-1: Opening storm devastated Croatians – Sub21

At 25 minutes Portugal were already winning 4-1, with Pedro Santos conducting a well-tuned orchestra

This period had Pedro Santos as its main protagonist. It was his shot that took the ball to the bar and then to the post, for Fábio Silva to open the scoring on the rebound. Then, the Benfica player was responsible for extending the advantage with 2 goals of his own, reducing Croatia in half, from a penalty.

Pressuring in advanced areas, the corner team caused the Croatians to make several mistakes and stole the initiative, and then knew how to create numerous dangerous situations with the ball. A treat for the eyes! A true festival, with other artists, besides Pedro Santos, standing out. In particular Fábio Silva, who assisted Paulo Bernardo to make it 4-1 and was, like Pedro Santos, involved in what was perhaps the most beautiful move of the game, wasted by Tiago Tomás.

Given the increase in numbers, the pace of the game slowed down, but there was still time for another Portuguese goal, from a penalty, and a sample of Croatian quality, with some threats.

With three games to go, Portugal remains in the lead, but Croatia, who have a game in hand, are now 5 points behind.

By Armando Alves