Croatia into Nations League quarter-finals with Portugal draw

Nov 18 (Reuters) - 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 as both teams advance to March's quarter-finals. 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. The visitors led thanks to a superb finish from Joao Felix, who expertly controlled Vitinha’s perfect pass into his path and lashed the ball low past Dominik Livakovic in the home goal. Croatia came close to the equaliser when Gvardiol cushioned a header towards Andrej Kramaric and the latter’s shot crashed into the post and away to safety. Kristijan Jakic’s cross to the back post was perfect for Gvardiol to beat Portugal goalkeeper Jose Sa from close range and level the score, his third international goal and first since the 2022 World Cup. Livakovic produced a brilliant point-blank save to deny Nuno Mendes a winner, while at the other end Sa made a fingertip stop as Ante Budimir seemed sure to score from six yards and the latter also hit the post late on.