Diogo Costa stands tall as Luka Modric fades in Portugal 2-1 Croatia player ratings | OneFootball

Under pressure, Portugal leaned on Diogo Costa's five saves to edge Croatia 2-1 in the World Cup last 16 overnight Thursday into Friday. Luka Modric, at his final international tournament, failed to shape the contest.

L'Équipe highlights Costa as the standout while noting contrasting displays around him. Renato Veiga signalled his aerial dominance with a header over on 16 minutes, and Nuno Mendes repeatedly ignited attacks before the interval.

Croatia replaced Ante Budimir with Igor Matanovic at the break. Seconds later, Mendes created another opening but chose to cross rather than shoot on 46 minutes, then Vitinha's error on 48 offered a huge chance to Mateo Kovacic. Croatia's opener came from the space behind Mendes, with Rafael Leao often leaving him exposed.

Portugal levelled on 68 minutes when Veiga won a penalty that Cristiano Ronaldo converted.

Kovacic grew after the interval, forcing three saves, including a double effort on 75 minutes that Costa diverted onto the post. The goalkeeper then denied Matanovic on 77 minutes, and a last second Croatian strike was ruled out.

Budimir managed only seven touches and two off-target shots before his withdrawal, whereas Matanovic completed all his passes and created two chances but lacked the finish. Kovacic even spun Joao Neves in that 75th-minute move.

Modric had 66 touches yet produced little threat, his supporting cast no longer what it was. Vitinha was replaced on 62 minutes by Bernardo Silva after his difficult spell.

Source: L'Équipe