No finishing skill, no Cristiano Ronaldo! Joao Felix is brilliant, but Portugal is kept back by tough Croatia without Bruno Fernandes or Al-Nassr’s superstar.

In the Nations League match against Croatia, Portugal displayed their depth but lacked a decisive advantage in the absence of their most renowned players.

Portugal and Croatia played off an exciting 1-1 draw on Monday night, with Josko Gvardiol’s perseverance canceling out Joao Felix’s brilliant performance.

Portugal appeared to have more than enough to defeat the Croats right away despite making seven changes from the team that crushed Poland 5-1 over the weekend.

In the 33rd minute, the superb Felix handed the visitors a well-earned lead by deftly controlling Vitinha’s sweeping pass and then sending the ball past Dominik Livakovic’s legs.

After Andrej Kramaric’s attempt went wide after bouncing against the post, the energetic Rafael Leao and Felix came close for the opposition.

Gvardiol’s header was chalked off as offside, but Croatia felt they had equalized around the hour mark after improving in the second half.

However, in the 65th minute, the Manchester City defender scored by tucking in a tease from Kristijan Jakic.

Mendes’ close-range attempt was well saved by Livakovic at one end, and Jose Sa made an incredible save at the other to keep out Ante Budimir, who was also prevented by the post.

In a match, neither team could be separated, and both advanced to the Nations League’s final eight.