Josko Gvardiol scored his first international goal in two years to rescue a point for Croatia in their 1-1 Nations League A Group 1 draw with Portugal in Split on Monday (Nov 18) as both teams advance to March's quarterfinals. Portugal were already assured of top spot in the pool ahead of kickoff and left Cristiano Ronaldo out of their match-day squad. Croatia finish in second place with eight points from their six games.
Croatia booked their place in the Nations League quarter-finals by drawing with already-qualified Portugal.
The visitors had already wrapped up top spot in Group A1 and consequently decided to rest some of their star players, including Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite that, Portugal took the lead in the 33rd minute when Chelsea forward Joao Felix latched on to Vitinha's pass before drilling home.
Andrej Kramaric hit the woodwork as Croatia, who needed a point to progress, pushed for an equaliser.
It finally arrived in the 65th minute when Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol turned in a Kristijan Jakic cross at the back post.
Portugal goalkeeper Jose Sa then kept out a shot from Kramaric as Croatia pushed for a winner, but the point was enough in the end to send them into the last eight.
Scotland finished third in the group as they snatched a 2-1 win in Poland through Andy Robertson's injury-time header.
