The All-Around Center Forward

The 45 minutes quickly came to an end.

Under Croatia's relentless assault, Portugal held strong until halftime, conceding only one goal.

But that single goal was almost the death of them.

If the first half was so difficult to defend, what about the second half?

It's important to know that Croatia isn't a traditional Eastern Europe team that only knows how to hunker down in a shell.

Croatia is very proactive; besides traditional defense, they are also very close to European football's total offense and defense!

They become even more dominant in the second half due to their extraordinary stamina.

Therefore, even though Portugal withstood the first half, the second half would be even tougher.

Cristiano Ronaldo was breathing heavily, and large beads of sweat dripped down his cheeks.

His jersey was soaked, and his chest rose and fell rapidly.

Compared to usual, Cristiano Ronaldo's sweating was a bit abnormal.

Too much!

This was also a sign of excessive physical exertion.

Throughout the first half, Cristiano Ronaldo was constantly running back and forth along the flanks.

Defense needed him, and counterattacks also needed him.

This required him to sprint back and forth along the wing incessantly.

Under these circumstances, how could his stamina consumption not be high?

The most crucial point was that every time Cristiano Ronaldo sprinted back, Suker would casually pass the ball away, showing no intention of dribbling and attacking.

And when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the counterattack position, the ball would be passed to Suker's feet again, and then when he rushed over, that guy would pass it away again.

This was him playing with him!

Cristiano Ronaldo was well aware of this, but could he not retreat?

No!

Once Cristiano Ronaldo gave up retreating, Suker would inevitably launch an attack from the wing.

Currently, Suker was posing as bait, and if they relaxed, this bait would open its bloody maw and bite fiercely into Portugal's throat.

Therefore, in the first half, they tried their best to limit Suker, while also tracking Rakitić.

They successfully kept the score at 1:0, but the headache was what to do in the second half?

In the Portugal locker room, the players seemed very agitated.

There was no way.

No possession, no progression, constantly being passively beaten.

Under immense pressure and an irritable mood, their intense emotions were evident.

"We're playing too passively, if this continues, we will inevitably be suppressed even more fiercely by Croatia!"

"What can we do if the midfield can't get the ball out?"

"Is it the midfield's problem? How many balls did you lose yourself?"

"Losing the ball without pressure, can't you guys be more stable? Once the front is chaotic, the back follows suit!"

"Alright, stop complaining, now is not the time to argue!"

"Arguing can't solve problems!"

"Then what can solve problems?!"

Everyone was arguing, their faces red with contention.

Even Pepe's eyes were tinged with a hint of blood red at this moment.

He had never played such a frustrating match at Real Madrid.

Although he didn't want to compare, a comparison was indeed forming.

For several consecutive seasons, at his club, which match wasn't about suppressing the opponent, even when they were at a disadvantage, they could still score on counterattacks.

But every time he returned to the National Team, playing was truly frustrating!

"Alright! Stop arguing!"

Cristiano Ronaldo suddenly spoke.

At this moment, the entire locker room suddenly fell silent.

"Paulo, you must have a solution, right?" Cristiano Ronaldo turned to look at Head Coach Paulo Bento.

Paulo Bento's brows were tightly furrowed.

He wanted to defend in the second half, maintaining a one-goal deficit until the end of the match.

Although he also wanted to win the match, he could hardly see any turning point.

But seeing Cristiano Ronaldo's eyes, he knew he couldn't say that.

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't want to lose!

And he especially didn't want to lose to Suker!

"In the second half, Rolando will replace Meireles, and we'll play with two defensive midfielders, so Cristiano Ronaldo won't have to retreat, but other forwards must retreat more to share the defensive duties, and at the same time, find Cristiano Ronaldo immediately at the counterattack point!"

Paulo Bento was a Head Coach who advocated offense, but now he was forced to play defensive counterattack, which showed how bad the situation was.

On the other side, in the Croatia locker room.

Van Stoyak and Bešić stood on either side of the tactics board.

Van Stoyak tapped the tactics board and said:

"Now that Portugal is behind, the second half will definitely be more favorable for us!"

"For Portugal, there are currently two choices!"

"First, Portugal chooses to accept this score, and the team as a whole begins to retreat and defend, not planning to score against us, but instead turning to fight Germany and Denmark to the death!"

"Second."

Van Stoyak tapped the middle of the tactics board: "Two defensive midfielders!"

"A single defensive midfielder has already shown to be unable to limit our frontline, so they will definitely choose two defensive midfielders, which can both free up Cristiano Ronaldo and scale up their defense, and Paulo Bento is a Head Coach who advocates offense, he will not give up attacking, so I lean more towards the second point!"

Dujmović suddenly spoke; "Won't they make moves on the frontline? Like strengthening the attack!"

Van Stojak looked at Dujmović; "That would only make them die faster!"

Dujmović grinned, and the others all let out friendly laughter.

At this moment, Bešić clapped his hands and said: "This is the coaching staff's analysis, but we are not going to make any changes to our formation, we will only play our own rhythm."

"We will make the first substitutions at 65 minutes, and the second at 85 minutes!"

Bešić said domineeringly; "No matter how the opponent plays, we only play our own rhythm!"

"And your task is how to firmly control the rhythm in our hands!"

Bešić always believed that Croatia needed its own ace tactic.

The so-called 'ace tactic' was not about surprise, nor was it about so-called ultimate moves.

Instead, it was the most familiar, the most dominant!

Just like Spain's tiki-taka!

Just like Germany's hard-nosed football!

Once brought out, no matter who you are, everyone gets taken down.

The elimination in the 2010 World Cup, Croatia had too many tactical choices, too many but not refined, which was also a problem.

Therefore, Bešić's task in this European Cup was not only to train young players and contend for the championship; beyond that, to hone their most dominant weapon to its peak through continuous major battles, that was the key!

Soon, the players began to walk out of the locker room, ready for the second half of the match.

Van Stoyak walked towards Bešić; "Are you still going to use Suker as bait?"

Bešić nodded; "In this match, Rakitić is in excellent form, his sustained performance will help him maintain this state, which can bring us great help in subsequent battles, and also, in this match, Suker doesn't need to explode, his battlefield is in the third round!"

In the third round of the European Cup group stage, Croatia would face Germany.

This was truly a strong-on-strong encounter!

Suker didn't need to explode too early; Croatia's most dominant player should perform in the most crucial matches.

And in this match, Rakitić's burst of form was already enough, not to mention Mandžukić, Perisic, and others who were hungry for action.

Having just experienced a tough season, Suker could rest appropriately, lay down his burden, and at the same time give his teammates some opportunities to perform.

Suker also understood what Bešić meant.

On the one hand, Rakitić was currently in red-hot form and most needed some resources and opportunities to perform.

If this opportunity was missed, whether he could find this form again next time was also a question.

On the other hand, other Croatia players had previously been suppressed too much by Suker.

Especially Mandžukić, Perisic, and others.

They were top or leading scorers at their respective clubs, but in the National Team, they always had to yield resources and positions to Suker, which was truly a bit frustrating.

It wasn't about sacrificing Suker.

Rather, in less important matches, or when the advantage was confirmed, give others more space to perform, so they could also find their form.

Suker was also understanding of this issue.

Moreover, Portugal was focused on him, so it would be more difficult for Suker to break through and perform than in other positions.

Therefore, why not choose an easier way to win?

In the second half, both sides switched ends.

Suker saw that the expressions of the Portugal players had become even more serious, and Cristiano Ronaldo was also constantly taking deep breaths, his eyes becoming resolute.

However, Suker believed that Cristiano Ronaldo was not yet at his peak form at this time.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo was currently transitioning towards being a pure striker, actively training muscles, increasing physicality and shooting skills, he had sacrificed some of his dribbling ability for this.

But at this time, Cristiano Ronaldo had not completely finished his transition.

Suker believed that Cristiano Ronaldo's most threatening period was around the 2014 World Cup.

It was only after this European Cup that he would display that crazy goal-scoring form.

Portugal made a substitution in the midfield, Meireles was replaced by Rolando, and Portugal started playing with a double pivot, which indeed relieved the defensive pressure on the backline to a certain extent!

The Croatia players also looked towards Portugal's half, and as expected, Van Stoyak's guess was correct.

Van Stoyak's ability to predict the flow of a match had always been strong, and he was always able to predict the opposing Head Coach's tactical choices.

And this time was no exception!

However, none of this could change anything!

For Croatia, they still held the rhythm firmly in their hands.

Just as Bešić stated, by using their best method, no matter how the opponent changed, they could still control the game's situation.

"Suker passed the ball, in this match, we rarely saw Suker actively dribble and break through, instead, he took on more of a decoy role, and after Suker attracted attention, other positions in the midfield could get better space to play!

And it was also based on this issue that Rakitić, Mandžukić, and Perisic also gained more tactical weight!"

Krauhić couldn't help but praise.

Suker's role was not only reflected in his strong breakthroughs and scoring ability, but also had a distinct effect on tactical flexibility.

Just like this match, Suker clearly only touched the ball once, with no intention of making a forceful breakthrough.

But Portugal still stuck to Suker!

Better safe than sorry!

And in this situation, Croatia's other attacking routes could all play a role.

Of course, Portugal also gained some counter-attacking opportunities after the tactical change.

But none of these opportunities were converted into effective threats.

Moutinho was the outlet for backfield counter-attacks, and his task was to find Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, on Croatia's side, Vukojević was well aware of this.

Therefore, if Moutinho passed too deep, Croatia's fullbacks could control the first landing point.

If he passed too short, Vukojević could quickly complete the header.

Bang!

"FXXK!!"

The ball was once again headed away by Vukojević, and Cristiano Ronaldo cursed angrily in frustration.

He didn't know how many times this had happened; if he couldn't get the ball, how could he launch a threatening attack?

Suker also gave Vukojević a thumbs up from a distance.

Vukojević nodded towards Suker, then turned and extended his hand towards Cristiano Ronaldo.

No matter how the National Team played, Cristiano Ronaldo was very likely to be his club teammate next season, so he didn't provoke Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo's expression was ugly, but he still accepted the goodwill offered by Vukojević.

He stood with his hands on his hips, looking glumly at his own half.

Croatia was still bombarding, this match was suffocating.

At the same time, the Spain National Team players watching the match in Kyiv, Ukraine, were also silent.

"Is Portugal that weak?" Busquets asked a soul-searching question.

The others were silent for a moment, then Iniesta sighed: "Croatia is too strong!"

"There's really no chance at all!" Ramos grimaced; "Playing like this, their mentality must have collapsed long ago, it's impressive they can hold on until now."

"Portugal failed to force out Croatia's full strength!"

"Anyone can see that!"

"Their pressing is so efficient, Portugal's passes can't even get past 5 touches!"

"Their positioning is also very good! Srna has been directing the positioning, and in the midfield, Modrić has also been directing the offense!"

"Even Suker hasn't exerted himself!"

Casillas said with a headache; "Portugal hasn't shown anything!"

Xavi narrowed his eyes; "We can only look at Germany!"

Spain's current state was not particularly perfect either.

However, they were fortunate that Croatia and Germany were drawn into the same group, which would allow them to gather more information.

At this moment, the match in the stadium was still ongoing.

At 65 minutes, both Croatia and Portugal made substitutions.

Croatia:

Perisic and Strinić were substituted off.

Dujmović and Ćorluka came on as substitutes.

Portugal:

Postiga was substituted off.

Number 9 striker Almeida came on.

"I'm here!" Dujmović said excitedly; "Watch me take a long shot!"

Suker and the others rolled their eyes.

Dujmović was indeed a surprise player.

But a surprise player was just a surprise player; until a critical moment, his performance wasn't that outstanding.

What's more, after Dujmović came on, Croatia's formation changed to 4-4-2, and he took on more defensive duties.

The offense was still Suker, Mandžukić, and Rakitić's responsibility.

However, after Dujmović came on, he immediately attempted two long shots.

The first shot flew just past the post.

The second shot forced the opposing Goalkeeper to make a save.

After the save, the Portugal Goalkeeper exclaimed in shock and anger: "Don't let him shoot!"

Once or twice was fine, but a few more of these long shots, and he couldn't take it anymore.

The match time unknowingly entered the 80th minute.

Suker and Mandžukić both stood on the defensive line.

Seeing Croatia delay the pass, Mandžukić turned to look at Suker, who nodded, then immediately retreated.

At this moment, the ball was passed to Dujmović's feet, and he suddenly took a step forward, dribbling the ball.

"Again?"

The Portugal players were shocked.

They thought Dujmović was going to take another long shot and immediately rushed forward.

Just then, Dujmović suddenly hooked the ball with his foot, breaking free horizontally, and then used the instep of his foot to deftly pass the ball to Suker.

"Holy crap?"

Suker was surprised.

Tomi, this big brute, could play like this?

At this moment, the ball rolled towards Suker, and Pepe immediately pressed against Suker's waist, not allowing Suker to turn.

But Suker slightly crouched down.

"I've got him!" Pepe held Suker's waist tightly, but he saw his center-back teammate Alves's face in horror, his gaze tracing a parabola above his head.

The next second, Alves exclaimed; "Behind you!"

Pepe was startled, at this moment, beside him and Suker, a figure suddenly darted forward.

It was Rakitić, who quickly surged forward, receiving Suker's lobbed pass, and as the ball descended, he spread his body, using the momentum of his run, he suddenly lifted his right foot and took a volley shot.

The ball flew precisely towards the far post, hit the post, and bounced into the net.

At 83 minutes, Croatia scored their second goal.

Suker's lobbed assist led to Rakitić's shot!

In this match, Rakitić scored two goals!

"Oh~~~~~~~~~!!!!"

Rakitić excitedly rushed to the corner flag, his hands grabbing the hem of his jersey, about to lift it, when a pair of hands pulled down Rakitić's jersey.

"I knew it!" Mandžukić firmly held down Rakitić's jersey; "Are you trying to get a yellow card?!"

Rakitić also came to his senses, he hugged Mandžukić excitedly; "I'm too excited!"

Mandžukić also smiled.

He could understand.

In this match, Rakitić scored two goals, definitely an MVP-level performance.

With Suker not exerting himself, Rakitić actually carried Croatia's attacking banner.

Thinking of this, Mandžukić felt a little jealous.

What was the use of being in hot form at the club if he still had to be an assist in the National Team?

Suker was fine!

Now that Rakitić was in hot form, he still had to cooperate with Rakitić.

Sigh~~

Mandžukić sighed.

When would he, a striker, get the treatment of a 'big striker'?

The second goal at 83 minutes virtually declared the match over.

The Portugal players' eyes dimmed.

In this match, they didn't figure out their offense, nor did they figure out their defense!

And Croatia made almost no mistakes throughout the match, winning the game with an almost suffocating rhythm.

It could be said that this match kicked Portugal's morale to rock bottom.

If they couldn't adjust their state, the second-round match against Germany would become even more difficult.

Suker retreated while looking at Portugal.

The wrong tactical choice was one aspect!

Underestimating the opponent's strength was also an aspect!

But the biggest problem was... Portugal hadn't fully entered the European Cup state.

Their sense of urgency was insufficient, and their focus was not concentrated enough.

In the original timeline, Portugal also performed better and better in the European Cup, but now, unfortunately, they met Croatia in the first round.

Finally, the 90-minute match ended.

The first match of the 2012 European Cup group b.

Croatia 2:0 Portugal, a clean and decisive victory!