Croatia vs. Portugal: Confident Croats out to spoil Ronaldo's Euro dreams
Portugal's time in France hasn't exactly gone according to plan.
While most teams celebrated progression to the Round of 16, Portugal was left licking its defensive wounds after a six-goal thriller against Hungary ended in a draw that ensured its place as one of the four best third-place finishers.
It's an objective the country surely felt lucky to achieve until realizing that in-form Croatia awaited in the knockout stage.
Fresh off topping a group and finishing ahead of the first ever two-time European Championship winner in Spain, Croatia enters the next phase of the tournament as one of the favourites to reach the final, courtesy of the lopsided nature of the Euro 2016 bracket.
The label is well deserved thanks to the masterclass of manager Ante Cacic, whose influence and leadership from the touchline was on full display: He made bold changes in the win over Spain to ensure Croatia's stars received the necessary rest to make an extended run.
Getting by a team with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge, however, is a challenge few would envy as the other group winners are undoubtedly happy to avoid a tie with the unpredictable Portuguese squad.
Projected lineups
Croatia starting XI: Subasic; Srna, Corluka, Vida, Strinic; Modric, Badelj, Brozovic, Rakitic, Perisic; Mandzukic.
Portugal starting XI: Patrício; Vierinha, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro; Gomes, Carvalho, Sanches, Mario; Nani, Ronaldo.
Injuries and suspensions
Portugal
Injuries: Andre Gomes (thigh), Raphael Guerreiro (thigh)
Quarterfinal suspension if booked vs. Croatia: Pepe, Quaresma
An already shaky Portuguese backline could be decimated if the team advances to the quarterfinals without Pepe. With the prospect of the notoriously feisty centre-back carrying a yellow card into the clash with Croatia, Portugal will be lucky to advance to the quarters while Pepe avoids a daft foul.
Croatia:
Injuries: Luka Modric (groin), Mario Mandzukic (muscle)
Quarterfinal suspension if booked vs. Portugal: Badelj, Brozovic, Perisic, Rog, Srna, Strinic, Vida, Vrsaljko
A rested Luka Modric should be ready to suit up for the country's biggest match in almost 20 years after sitting out Croatia's 2-1 win over Spain. While he didn't play, he evidently had an impact on the outcome of the match by trading some insider information to help deny his Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos from the penalty spot. Modric will be slotted back into his position in the heart of the Croatian midfield and is expected to replicate the form that saw him play a decisive role in the opening two group matches.
Related: Subasic thanks Modric for penalty advice vs. Spain
Mario Mandzukic should also benefit from the rest against Spain and take up his position at the head of Croatia's attacking scheme.
What to watch
Ronaldo vs. Everybody
A date with Croatia may have suited Portugal under different circumstances.
Yet, with the group stage proving to be a mighty struggle, Portugal hardly stands a chance of getting past Croatia without another dominating display from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The country owes its place in the knockout stage to the Real Madrid star after his two goals brought Portugal back to life - twice - to deny the Hungarians a victory.
But an over-reliance on Ronaldo will backfire if Croatia can eliminate targets and funnel him into positions that limit him to making awkward passes or ambitious attempts on goal. A poor performance from the team's talisman will almost certainly lead to Portugal's exit and yet another reason to unfairly pin the blame on Ronaldo's shoulders for his teammates' inability to play alongside him.
While his ability to dominate games is a trait that separates him from just about every player competing in France, the failure of his teammates to levitate their game to a level close to Ronaldo's will haunt Portugal until it finally meets expectations on the international stage.
Sanches to replace Moutinho?
When Renato Sanches made his second Euro 2016 appearance against Hungary, the world got a glimpse of the next budding star Portugal hopes will develop into a player worthy of one day occupying Ronaldo's throne.
The 18-year-old, who Bayern Munich wasted no time in signing after Sanches' ascension through the ranks at Benfica caught the German champion's attention, provided the type of creative influence capable of feeding off Ronaldo after replacing an ineffective Joao Moutinho during the draw. He certainly made a case for a starting role versus Croatia after throwing the Hungary defence into disarray with his pace and ability to find defensive cracks with his movement off the ball.
His impressive display wasn't limited to his performance on the pitch, though, as Sanches showed no fear when he confronted and rightfully blamed Ronaldo for a blown scoring chance:
Prediction:
Obvious cracks within both defensive lines, combined with elite attacks, could result in the highest scoring tie of the round, with Croatia ultimately sending Portugal packing in an encounter that will be a treat for neutrals and a nightmare for either side's supporters.
Croatia 3, Portugal 2 (AET)