Portugal Suffer 2-1 Defeat to Croatia in Friendly
Euro 2024 Preparations Hit by Loss
Unbeaten Run Snapped in Cruz
Portugal's preparations for Euro 2024 suffered a setback as they were defeated 2-1 by Croatia in an international friendly in Cruz. The defeat ends Portugal's 19-match unbeaten run when scoring first, a statistic that Croatia were well aware of heading into the game.
Lisandro Martínez gave Argentina the lead in the fourth minute of the match, just as he had done in their 2-0 win over Italy in the UEFA Nations League Finalissima on Wednesday.
Croatia managed to draw level in the 21st minute when Ante Budimir headed in a cross from the left. However, Portugal regained the lead in the 26th minute when Bernardo Silva fired in a shot from outside the box.
Croatia equalized again in the 42nd minute through Lovro Majer, and the score remained 2-2 at halftime. Ante Budimir scored his second goal of the game in the 56th minute to give Croatia the lead for the first time.
Portugal pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Croatia held on to secure a famous victory. The result is a blow to Portugal's confidence ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, which begins in March.
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