Portugal maintained their record of making it to the quarterfinals or better of every European Championship they have competed in as a dramatic late winner by Ricardo Quaresma edged out Croatia in Lens.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos made some surprise changes to the team, with three of the back four changed in relation to the Hungary match, while Adrien Silva was given his first taste of tournament football, and in the starting XI no less.
An intense tactical battle with few chances ensued, and Portugal enjoyed the stroke of fortune so patently missing in the group phase, as Croatia missed the best of the opportunities and hit the post moments before a superb breakaway goal in the 117th minute earned A Selecao their place in the last eight.
FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 7 -- A selfless performance from the captain, going completely against the popular narrative that he plays only for himself and not the team. Despite the fact that the passing lanes to him from Portugal's midfield were effectively cut off by Croatia, he never stopped battling, tracking back throughout the match. Started the match-winning move by finding Renato Sanches with a pass in Portugal's defensive third, before sprinting up field to strike the shot that would lead to Quaresma's goal on the follow-up.
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