A Diogo Had to Guide Portugal's Qualification (Portugal Player Ratings)

JOÃO CANCELO (5) — Pedro Neto's presence often pushed him into more central areas than in previous games. While he's accustomed to this role, he never looked comfortable offensively. Defensively, he's linked to Perisic's goal, though he was unlucky with a deflection. He was substituted shortly after.

RÚBEN DIAS (6) — He had barely been troubled before receiving a yellow card (17'), but his focus and leadership allowed him to stay on the field until the end, even managing to get Perisic booked. A positive performance, though not without errors, such as in the disallowed Croatian goal at the death, where he was beaten in the air.

RENATO VEIGA (6) — He also had some moments of agonizing hesitation in the defensive third, but surprisingly played a significant offensive role. He won the penalty that led to the equalizer and came close to scoring with two headers.

NUNO MENDES (6) — It's clear his physical condition isn't ideal, but the left-back always gives his all. He consistently linked up with Rafael Leão down the flank and maintained his constant runs. His corner kicks created problems for the Croatian team.

JOÃO NEVES (6) — He stayed on the field until the end, unlike his midfield partners Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes, but that doesn't mean his performance was superior. His commitment is always maximum, but his consistently high work rate had limited impact, especially in advancing the team up the field and getting into advanced positions.

VITINHA (5) — Perhaps more a victim than a culprit amidst the team's instability, but the reality is he was once again far from his usual level. He tried to dictate play but struggled to find passing lanes to feed his more advanced teammates.

PEDRO NETO (5) — He had the opportunity to hug the right touchline but never managed to create a significant threat. He delivered one good cross that Ronaldo couldn't convert, but his best moment was a notable defensive recovery in the first half. Insufficient to avoid being among the first substitutions.

BRUNO FERNANDES (6) — He created Portugal's first double chance in the 4th minute and was one of Portugal's best, if not the best, in the first half. He faded significantly in the second half, making his 62nd-minute substitution surprising.

RAFAEL LEÃO (7) — Very lively in the opening minutes, his presence in the starting XI seemed to surprise the Croatian team. He still has a tendency to have some quiet spells during the game, but he was instrumental in a shot that rattled Livakovic's crossbar shortly after the Croatian goal, and then delivered a dangerous cross for Portugal's turnaround goal.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (6) — His penalty goal in the 68th minute equalized for Portugal, but his best moment was a remarkable two-touch finish just before (61'), unfortunately disallowed for offside that escaped the Wenger Law (as did a later Croatian one). He was substituted in the 81st minute, to general surprise, including his own, given the score at the time.

NÉLSON SEMEDO (5) — He replaced Cancelo at right-back in the 62nd minute and struggled to contribute to the offensive play. He maintained defensive solidity, however, although he was beaten in the air by Mario Pasalic in the 89th minute, a dangerous moment for Portugal.

BERNARDO SILVA (6) — The simultaneous departures of Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes created midfield problems for the team, but Bernardo's experience helped provide some stability.

FRANCISCO CONCEIÇÃO (5) — He couldn't create much impact on the right wing, although he did manage a shot in the final minutes that went wide.

GONÇALO RAMOS (7) — His reputation as a secret weapon might hinder his fight for a starting spot, but what a luxury to have such a capable alternative who can come off the bench with the motivation and effectiveness needed to score Portugal's winning goal and secure qualification for the round of 16.

RÚBEN NEVES (5) — His introduction was Roberto Martínez acknowledging he had erred by taking off Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes at the same time without adequate compensation. The number 21 started well, but then had a major scare with the play — in which he was involved — leading to Croatia's disallowed equalizer in the 90+13th minute for offside.