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Josko Gvardiol, the Manchester City defender, has scored three goals in his last six Premier League appearances.
1-1 Croatia.
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) November 18, 2024
CLEVER FINISH BY GVARDIOL VS PORTUGAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/vKRw3bl0lB
Joško Gvardiol’s goal secured Croatia a 1-1 draw against Portugal, clinching a Nations League quarterfinal spot by finishing one point ahead of Scotland, who beat Poland 2-1. In Group A4, Spain, already qualified, edged Switzerland 3-2 in a penalty-filled match.
“It felt like two different games,” said Joško Gvardiol. “We were sluggish in the first half and needed adjustments. The second half was much improved — we had more energy, better ball control, created chances, and finally scored.”
Meanwhile, in Warsaw, Kamil Piątkowski unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner to equalize for Poland against Scotland.
Back in Split, Portugal’s Nuno Mendes came close to matching Gvardiol’s heroics in the 73rd minute, but Dominik Livaković made a crucial save.
Scotland secured a dramatic victory in added time, with Andy Robertson heading home to seal their second win in four days. However, Croatia comfortably held on for the draw they needed.
“Our players earned this result through sheer effort, even though it feels like we always have to fight for it,” said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić. “There may have been questions about results, but never about our performance.”
