Josko Gvardiol equalized in the second half, and Mateo Kovacic, a teammate from City, also played as Croatia drew 1-1 at home against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League to advance to the quarterfinals.

In a top-notch match in Split, our Joao Felix’s first-half opener was cancelled by a goal from the Blues’ defense on the 65th minute.Croatia began knowing that a point would be sufficient to secure second place and, thus, a position in the round of eight, even though Portugal was already assured of first place in Group A1.But a Portugal team led by former City star Joao Cancelo and lacking Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, and Ruben Dias controlled the early going. Roberto Martinez’s team took the lead just after the interval.A fine long ball form Vitinha split the hosts’ backline and created time and space for Chelsea striker Félix who first controlled the ball before then despatching a fine low finish, the goal upheld after a VAR check for offside.

Croatia sought an immediate response and the hosts came agonisingly close to levelling affairs on 39 minutes when Gvardiol’s neat, cushioned knock-down provided Andrej Kramarić to opportunity to hammer in a half volley which cannoned back off the post.At halftime, Kovacic was replaced by Mario Palasic as Croatia attempted to build a comeback.

How can I watch Spurs vs. City on television?And that pressure paid off in the 65th minute when Gvardiol, who had just eight minutes before had an attempt disallowed due to a VAR check, scored to tie the score.Kristijan Jakic’s inviting cross was met by the City defender, who once again displayed his offensive ability by scoring with his left foot from six yards out.Both sides sought to create a winner with Croatian keeper Dominik Livaković performing heroics to deny Nuno Mendes while at the other end Portuguese keeper Jose Sa frustrated efforts by Luka Sučić, Andrej Kramarić, and Ante Budimir for the hosts.Three minutes into extra time, a Budimir effort hit the bar, and the woodwork once more saved Portugal in a thrilling finish.In the end, though, a point was a win-win situation for both teams, as Croatia secured second place in Group A1 and, along with the visitors, a trip to the quarterfinals.