Contrary to the game level they gave during the group stage, both Portugal and Croatia displayed a different kind of game level than they did during the group stage. This Portugal and this Croatia played an extremely leveled match that didn't have any goals during the whole 90 minutes, there was actually a feeling of penalty kick shootout in the second match of the day that ended in a stalemate and had to go into extra time.
After an uneventful first extra time, the last fifteen minutes of the game were filled with drama. Croatia was the side that decided to go on the attack and open up spaces for Portugal to counter attack. It's still not clear why manager Fernando Santos doesn't use Renato Sanches from the very start of the match, considering that he's been one of the most decisive players throughout the whole tournament for his country. But still, he has come at the right moments for Portugal and managed to be important in the most crucial moments.
The big breakthrough moment came on the last minutes of the extra time, as Croatia was all invested on scoring the winning goal. Renato took a rebound and commanded the final counter attack for Portugal, he gave the ball to Quaresma who sent a low cross for Ronaldo. The Real Madrid star sent his shot to the goalkeeper, Quaresma just arrived to finish off the Croatian side with a dramatic header. This was the end result that avoided the penalty shootout and gave Portugal the next round ticket where they will face Poland, better luck next time for Croatia.
Photo credit: FIFA.com