Last 16: Croatia v Portugal, 25th June, 8pm

[JJ1532]

This one looks to be a really interesting fixture.

Croatia are coming into this game in form after a great win against Spain, all without Modric and Mandzukic. They look a really dangerous side with lots of weapons that can hurt teams.

Portugal though finally kicked into gear against Hungary, with Ronaldo finally bagging. But defensively they look really suspect and they still seem pretty disjointed as a team. Can they beat a tough opponent? Can Ronaldo stamp his mark when it really matters?

Fancy Croatia here, but Portugal are a wily opponent. Predictions?

 

[SALTIRE]

Could be a great match this one. Portugal finally found their scoring boots last match and Croatia also know where the goal is. 4 - 3 to Croatia for me.

 

[The Unbeliever]

Croatia for me 2-0. Hope it's better than the first two games today.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Can't wait for this one it should be a far better match than the previous two today, Croatia have been the best team so far in my opinion and it wouldn't surprise me to see them go all the way. Portugal have been poor so far finishing 3rd in the weakest group, but with Ronaldo finding his shooting boots against Hungary, they will be that much more dangerous going forward. However Croatia have more in their side to worry Portugal and I think they'll win this 2-1.

 

[Master D]

3-0 Croatia I reckon. Portugal are a bombscare of a side just waiting to be hammered by someone.

 

[Cheese & Biscuits]

Cagey start. Could be another dull match.

 

[JJ1532]

0-0 AET, Portugal win on penalties.

 

[DarkSithLord]

That was the worst 45 minutes of the tournament and its up against some serious opposition. Awful game so far.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Second half has been better, Portugal definitely looking the most likely team to score.

 

[Cheese & Biscuits]

 

[DarkSithLord]

sportingintelligence ‏@sportingintel 13s13 seconds ago
72 goals in 38 completed games at #EURO2016 before #CRO #POR makes 1.89 goals per game on avg. Lowest in the history of the tournament.

 

[SamScfc]

another boring game, this euros has been pretty naff so far.

Portugal don't seem to have a game plan, just seen to shove a load of attacking midfielders upfront.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

That was a bit shit, onto extra time now. Portugal really need to find a way to get Ronaldo in the game. This has penalties written all over it.

 

[GTFCfish]

Could be a great match this one. Portugal finally found their scoring boots last match and Croatia also know where the goal is. 4 - 3 to Croatia for me.

 

[GTFCfish]

Delighted this one has gone to extra time, another 30 minutes of this and my insomnia should be cured forever.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Ronaldo now operating somewhere near the halfway line in an attempt to get hold of the ball. Meaning Portugal have about 6 across midfield. Turgid stuff.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Looking at how bad these are I think Iceland might be a bigger challenge.

 

[Stevencc]

Delighted this one has gone to extra time, another 30 minutes of this and my insomnia should be cured forever.

Make sure to turn it off when it goes to penalties - they tend to be pretty exciting and might undo the hard work you've put in to get over your sleeping difficulties.

 

[JJ1532]

Looking at how bad these are I think Iceland might be a bigger challenge.

I think these are 2 decent teams that are cancelling each other out. They aren't bad teams by any stretch.

 

[G.B]

DRAMA

 

[JJ1532]

Jeez, all the luck. Mishit shot falls to Ronaldo, his shot is saved and falls to Quaresma to nod in from a yard out.

 

[DarkSithLord]

I think these are 2 decent teams that are cancelling each other out. They aren't bad teams by any stretch.

Sorry but Portugal are fucking awful.

 

[Ciderhead]

After such a shit game that 2nd half of extra time was fantastic!

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Portugal very fortunate to win that, they've won 1 game all tournament and are into a quarter final tie with Poland, luck is shining on them at the minute. Croatia will be devastated with that, it was a dog shit game though and they in truth didn't do enough either. Portugal's set up and game plan is bizarre, they need to get Ronaldo involved far more, as for Croatia they'll definitely feel they've underachieved.

 

[JJ1532]

Sorry but Portugal are fucking awful.

Define awful. Because I believe that awful side may well be in the final in a couple of weeks time. I think they will beat Poland and I can see them scraping past Belgium(if thats who they face in semis). The best teams win, no matter how they play. Portugal win, always have done.

Don't get me wrong, the draw has been really kind to them, but I think you do them a disservice.

 

[Vale on Trent]

Pepe and Fonte looked very good at the back. They should start Sanchez too, he was the only one who wanted to move forward with energy.

 

[Super_horns]

Both teams only seemed to remember they might need a goal after 105 minutes..

Going to be Bale V Ronaldo in the semi final isn't it..

 

[TractorBoys]

Define awful. Because I believe that awful side may well be in the final in a couple of weeks time. I think they will beat Poland and I can see them scraping past Belgium(if thats who they face in semis). The best teams win, no matter how they play. Portugal win, always have done.

Don't get me wrong, the draw has been really kind to them, but I think you do them a disservice.

They haven't won a single game out of the 4 in the normal time, nor have they looked close to doing FFS.

Piss poor.

 

[cufc17]

That was the worst game of the tournament so far, in my opinion. I expected two positive, attacking sides but the lack of attempts on target summed up the low-quality match.

I thought Ronaldo was unusually quite tonight, he's normally involved in everything and trigger-happy in front of goal. Portugal aren't a great side but have a favourable route to the final.

 

[SALTIRE]

Yep not one of my finest hours that!