Portugal player ratings versus Croatia - who was man of the match?

After a quality victory over Croatia in Portugal’s first match of this edition of the UEFA Nations League, Portugal’s title defence got off to the best of starts - not only in terms of the result, but the performance too.

A completely dominant display over the 2018 World Cup finalists saw Portugal run out 4-1 winners in Porto, a score which was unflattering to the hosts, who had to play the full 90 minutes without talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.

With such a convincing performance to back up the resounding win, every player seemed to impress and play to a high level - and that is reflected by the player ratings awarded:

Anthony Lopes - 7

Playing in his first ever competitive match for the senior national team, Lopes may well have expected to be tested more, but it was a relatively straightforward day in the office for the Lyon shot-stopper. When called into action, though, he was composed and focused, and came to claim three crosses comfortably to take all the pressure off the defenders. Probably could have done better with the one shot of the evening that he faced, so can’t really get higher than a 7. Overall, though, you felt confident with him in between the sticks.

Raphel Guerreiro - 10

He didn’t have to do too much defensively, which really brought the best out of him in an attacking sense. He was constantly overlapping on that left side, and was a real threat regularly with his instincts to get involved. He saw the keeper save one of his efforts in impressive fashion before he then crashed a brilliant shot off the post, while he was denied an assist from a delightful corner that Pepe nearly converted. He did eventually get an assist to his name, playing the excellent over the top ball to Diogo Jota that doubled Portugal’s lead, and when he needed to defend, he was solid. Can’t fault the effort or performance of the Dortmund man, who is at his best when Portugal dominate possession.

Pepe - 9

Again, despite Portugal having the vast majority of the ball, it was, until the 90th minute at least, an incredibly accomplished defensive display. Portugal’s two centrebacks were excellent at the back; every ball whipped into the box was headed away with power, and Pepe put his body on the line when necessary too. There was one unconvincing moment when he was chasing back that could have been an issue had the Croatian player not strayed offside, but overall it was a great effort from the veteran defender, who is still going strong. Very nearly got a goal at the other end with a bullet header - and it’s difficult to exlpain how he didn’t score on the rebound. Then got the assist for Portugal’s final goal, flicking the ball to the back post. Overall, really impressive performance, though perhaps at least partly to blame for the Croatia goal as he was slightly out of position.

Ruben Dias - 8

Like Pepe, dominant at the back, getting his head to everything that came his way and clearing emphatically. Deserved a clean sheet, though you could probably say that he too was at fault for the goal conceded, playing Petkovic onside. It was one moment in what was otherwise a great defensive performance, and the Benfica man always seems to show up for his country.

Joao Cancelo - 10

What a goal to open the night. He made it almost entirely on his own, before then curling a delightful effort into the top corner on his weaker left foot from outside the area. Wonderful technique on the ball and with the shot, and he offered that spark of genius Portugal needed to break the deadlock. Also produced an excellent trivela effort earlier on that was well saved, and was a constant threat on the overlap, just like Guerreiro on the opposite side. All that stops him from getting all the praise is the Croatia goal; he could have done a bit bettter with the ball played over the top towards him, but it was an awkward one and he would have hoped to have some help from his centrebacks, who also lost concentration at that moment.

Danilo Pereira - 8

Incredibly solid performance, shielding the defence excellently and doing exactly what he was asked to do. He worked hard for the team, closed down and narrowed Croatia’s options when necessary, and cannot really be faulted for his efforts in defending Portugal’s goal. He controlled the midfield, and was reliable in possession too.

Joao Moutinho - 7

Again, did what he was asked to do very well indeed. Like Danilo, he was tasked with ticking the game over and controlling the midfield, and he dictated play as he so often does, allowing the flair and brilliance of the four more advanced players to shine through. The veteran midfielder is always assured on the ball and a player you can rely on.

Bruno Fernandes - 9

Such an accomplished footballer. Played some really elegant passes, both long and short. His deep cross into Jota was perfect and very nearly created the opening goal, while it was his corner that led to Portugal’s fourth. His long-range shooting was disappointing today, not what we expect from him, but you don’t score them all and, with the quality he has, you want him to take on those efforts. Intricate, composed and helped both control the game and create chances. His movement also helped open up the space for Cancelo to cut inside and score his beautiful goal.

Bernardo Silva - 8

Busy as he always is. Offered those sparks of great creativity and bursts of energy that always lead to the possibility of a goalscoring chance. Worked hard for the team, both defensively and offensively, with much of Croatia’s attacking threat coming down their left wing. Bernardo therefore helped Cancelo out, doubling up on the attacking player and offering good work rate at both ends of the pitch, always hungry for the ball. Won the loose ball to assist Felix for Portugal’s third too.

Diogo Jota - 10

Had a relatively quiet opening 15 or so minutes but then really came into the game and was all over the pitch. Unlucky to hit the post with his header, but it was his excellent movement, dribbling and energy that really stood out, and his goal was incredibly well-taken, brought down with good control before being fired across the keeper to get his first goal for the national team. A contender for man of the match with his work rate and endeavour as he made up a crucial part of the fluid front line and constantly caused issues for the Croatia defence, while his pressing, as with the rest of the team, was very good, always hungry to win the ball back.

Joao Felix - 8

Also worked very hard for the team and made up a big part of Portugal’s fluid front line. Nice touches, great movement, worked hard, and scored his first ever goal for the senior national team with a thunderous strike, as he so often does. Struck the post in the first half too, and just generally linked up with the players around him really well.

Substitutes:

Francisco Trincao - 6

Good to see the young Barcelona man make his debut. A couple of sparks of quality and a promising cameo.

Sergio Oliveira - 6

Didn’t have much time to impact the game, but did a solid job.

Andre Silva - 7

Did what all great strikers do by getting on the scoresheet despite coming on with only minutes to go. Great tenacity at the back post to get to the ball first and stab it home.