«Breaking News» Hosts draw in friendly with World Cup finalists in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal defender Pepe celebrated his 100th cap by heading the equaliser to give his side a 1-1 draw against World Cup runners-up Croatia in a friendly on Thursday.

Croatia took the lead in the 18th minute when forward Ivan Perisic, one of five members of their starting line-up who played in the World Cup final against France, fired home a loose ball after it ricocheted around the Portugal defence.

Brazilian-born Pepe, handed the captaincy for the match, levelled 14 minutes later with a thumping header from Pizzi's cross.

Ivan Perisic takes congratulations from Mateo Kovacic after giving Croatia a first-half lead

Pepe celebrates his seventh international goal for Portugal on his 100th appearance

Portugal rested all-time leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, still adapting to his move from Real Madrid to Juventus, while Sergio Oliveira and Sao Tome-born Gedson Fernandes won their first caps after coming on as second-half substitutes.

"We played well with a lot of young players trying to show their value," Pepe, 35, told RTP television. "I'm extremely happy. I'm grateful for the opportunity and everything Portugal has given me and I try to enjoy every moment."

A lively Portugal dominated the second half and nearly won the game when Mario Rui's low cross was deflected on to the foot of the post by Croatia defender Antonio Milic.

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was applauded off the field by the home crowd when he was substituted in the 55th minute.

Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and striker Mario Mandzukic have announced their retirement from international football while midfielder Ivan Rakitic was rested for the game. 

Bruma replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the No 7 shirt, but couldn't beat Lovre Kalinic

On-loan Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic looks to drive his side on at the Algarve Stadium

The lead is cancelled out on the half hour mark with Pepe rising highest to head home

Zlatko Dalic looks on as his side attempt to find a breakthrough away from home

Croatia defender Domagoj Vida is carried off the pitch with a nasty-looking injury

Link article

https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/07/hosts-draw-in-friendly-with-world-cup-finalists-in-the-absence-of-cristiano-ronaldo/
Main photo article Portugal defender Pepe celebrated his 100th cap by heading the equaliser to give his side a 1-1 draw against World Cup runners-up Croatia in a friendly on Thursday.
Croatia took the lead in the 18th minute when forward Ivan Perisic, one of five members of their starting line-up who played in the...

It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.

Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.

Dianne Reeves Sport HienaLouca





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