Croatia secured second place in Group 1 of League A and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Nations League following a 1-1 draw with Portugal in Split. The Portuguese, having already clinched the top spot, fielded a heavily rotated lineup but dominated the first half and took the lead through Joao Felix in the 33rd minute. Croatia improved in the second half, finding an equalizer in the 65th minute thanks to a header from Josko Gvardiol. Zlatko Dalic’s side ultimately maintained their one-point advantage over Scotland, who also fought hard to challenge for the runner-up spot with a victory over Poland.
Portugal 🇵🇹 and Croatia 🇭🇷 both qualify for the quarter-finals with a draw 🤝 pic.twitter.com/F0mt8BgAEA
— 433 (@433) November 18, 2024
Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva – who were all rested for the match – Joao Cancelo wore the captain’s armband for Portugal. Only four players from their previous match against Poland retained their spots in the starting lineup: Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Joao Neves, and Rafael Leao.
In the other game in the group, Scotland achieved a dramatic 2-1 victory over Poland in Warsaw, finishing third in Group 1 of League A. Steve Clarke’s side faced dual pressure, avoiding relegation while trying to contend for second place under specific conditions. The Scots ultimately secured victory with a 93rd-minute winner when Andy Robertson outjumped two defenders to head home a cross from Souttar. While Poland was relegated to League B, Scotland ended their campaign on a high note but fell just short of advancing further in the tournament.