All-around center

The 45 minutes ended quickly.

Under Croatia's bombardment, Portugal held on until the end of the half and conceded only one goal.

But this ball will cost them their lives.

It was so difficult to defend in the first half, how could it be so good in the second half?

You know, Croatia is not a traditional Eastern European team. They only know how to cover themselves in a turtle shell and remain motionless.

Croatia is very proactive. In addition to traditional defense, they are also very close to the total offense and defense of European football!

He became more advantageous in the second half with his extraordinary physical fitness.

Therefore, although Portugal withstood the first half, the second half was even more difficult.

Ronaldo gasped for air, and beads of sweat slid down his cheeks.

His jersey was soaked and his chest was heaving rapidly.

Compared with usual, Ronaldo's sweating amount is a little abnormal.

Too much!

This is also a sign of excessive physical exertion.

Throughout the first half, Ronaldo was running back and forth along the wings in different ways.

The defense needs him and the counterattack also needs him.

This requires him to keep sprinting back and forth on the wing.

In this case, can he consume a lot of physical energy?

The most important thing is that every time Ronaldo ran back, Su Ke passed the ball lightly without any intention of attacking with the ball.

And when Ronaldo returns to the counterattack position, the ball will be passed to Su Ke's feet, and then when he rushes over, this guy will pass it out again.

This is just walking yourself!

Ronaldo knows this very well, but can he not retreat?

No!

Once Ronaldo gives up retreating, Su Ke will inevitably launch an attack from the wing.

The current Suk is posing as a bait. If they relax, the bait will open its mouth and bite Portugal's throat hard.

Therefore, in the first half, they tried to limit Suker as much as possible while also following up with Rakitic.

Successfully compressed the score to 1:0, but the headache is what to do in the second half?

In Portugal's locker room, the players looked very irritable.

There is no way.

No ball control, no advancement, just being passively beaten all the time.

Under the tremendous pressure and impatience, the intensity of their emotions was evident.

"We played too passively. If we continue like this, we will definitely be suppressed even more fiercely by Croatia!"

"What can I do if the midfielder can't get the ball out?"

"Is it a problem in the midfield? How many goals have you conceded?"

"We lost the ball without confrontation. Can you be more steady? If there is chaos in front, there will be chaos behind!"

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

"Arguing won't solve the problem!"

"Then what will solve the problem!"

Everyone was making a noise, and everyone was blushing.

Even Pepe's eyes were a little blood red at this time.

He has never played such a frustrating game in Real Madrid.

Although I really don't want to make this comparison, it does form a comparison.

For several consecutive seasons, he was in the club, and in every game he did not suppress the opponent, even when they were at a disadvantage, they were able to complete counterattacks and score goals.

But every time I return to the national team, it’s so frustrating to play!

"Okay! Stop arguing!"

Ronaldo suddenly spoke up.

At this moment, the entire locker room suddenly became quiet.

"Paul, you should be able to do something, right?" Ronaldo turned to look at head coach Paul Bento.

Paul Bento frowned.

He wanted to defend in the second half and maintain a one-goal deficit until the end of the game.

Although he also wanted to win the game, he could hardly see a comeback point.

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

Ronaldo doesn’t want to lose!

I don’t even want to lose to Su Ke!

"In the second half, Rolando replaced Meireles. We played double midfielders so that Ronaldo would not have to retreat, but other forwards must retreat more to share the defensive lineup, and at the same time find Ronaldo as soon as possible at the counterattack point!"

Paulo Bento is a head coach who advocates offense, but now he is forced to play defensive counterattack, which shows how bad the situation is.

On the other side, in the Croatian dressing room.

Van Steyak and Besic stood on the left and right sides of the tactical board.

Van Stryak patted the tactical board and said:

"Portugal is lagging behind now, and the second half will definitely be more beneficial to us!"

"For Portugal, there are currently two options!"

"First, Portugal chose to accept the score and began to retreat defensively. They were not prepared to score points against us, but instead turned to fight with Germany and Denmark!"

"second."

Van Steyak patted the middle of the tactical board: "Double midfielders!"

"A single defensive midfielder has shown that it cannot limit our forward line, so they must choose a double defensive midfielder, which can not only free up Ronaldo, but also increase the defensive scale. Moreover, Paulo Bento is a head coach who advocates offense and he will not give up. Attack, so I prefer the second point!”

Duimovich suddenly said: "Aren't they going to make moves on the front line? For example, strengthen the attack!"

Vanstayak looked at Duimovich; "They will only die faster this way!"

Duimovich grinned, and everyone else laughed kindly.

At this time, Besic clapped his hands and said: "This is the analysis of the coaching staff, but we are not prepared to make any changes. We will only play at our own pace."

"We will make the first wave of substitutions at the 65th minute, and the second wave at the 85th minute!"

Besic said domineeringly; "No matter how the opponent plays, we only play at our own pace!"

"And your task is to keep the pace firmly in our hands!"

Besic has always believed that Croatia needs an ace tactic of its own.

The so-called 'ace tactic' is not unexpected, nor is it a so-called big move.

It is the most familiar and the strongest!

Just like Spain's passing and control!

Just like Germany's hard football!

Once it is taken out, no matter who you are, you will be defeated.

In the elimination of the 2010 World Cup, Croatia had too many tactical options, but they were too many and not refined, which was also a problem.

Therefore, Besic's task in this European Cup is not only to train young people and impact the championship, but also to hone his strongest weapons to the peak in successive battles. This is the key!

Soon, the players began to walk out of the locker room and prepare for the second half of the game.

Van Styak walked towards Besic; "Should we let Suker be the bait?"

Besic nodded; "Rakitic is in excellent form in this game. If he continues to perform well and keeps this form, it will be of great help to us in the subsequent operations. Also, there is no need for Suker to explode in this game. His battlefield is in the third round!"

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

This is a real strong dialogue!

Suker does not need to explode too early. Croatia's strongest players should perform in the most critical games.

In this game, Rakitic's state explosion is enough, not to mention that there are Mandzukic, Perisic and others waiting to be fed.

After just experiencing a difficult season, Suker can take a proper break, put down the burden, and give his teammates some opportunities to perform.

Suker also knows what Besic means.

On the one hand, Rakitic's state at this time is hot, and he needs some resources and performance the most.

If you miss this time, whether you can find this state next time is also a problem.

On the other hand, other Croatian players were suppressed too much by Suker.

Especially Mandzukic, Perisic and others.

They are the top or front shooters in their respective clubs, but they have to give Suker resources and positions in the national team, which is really a bit aggrieved.

It's not about sacrificing Suker.

But in unimportant games, or when the advantage is certain, give others more room to play, so that they can find their form.

Suker is also reasonable about this problem.

What's more, Portugal is focusing on playing for himself, and it is more difficult for Suker to break through and play than other positions.

Therefore, why not choose a more relaxed way to win?

In the second half, the two sides changed sides.

Suker saw that the expressions of the Portuguese players became more solemn, and Ronaldo was constantly taking deep breaths, and his eyes became firm.

However, Suker believes that Ronaldo has not reached his peak at this time.

Although Ronaldo is currently transforming towards a pure shooter, he has begun to actively exercise his muscles, increase confrontation and shooting skills, and for this he has also sacrificed some of his dribbling ability.

But Ronaldo has not yet fully transitioned.

Suk believes that Ronaldo's most threatening period is in the years before the 2014 World Cup.

It is only after this European Cup that this guy will show that crazy goal-scoring state.

"Portugal chose to change players in the midfield, Meireles went off the field, Rolando came on the field, and Portugal began to play double defensive midfielders, which did relieve the defensive pressure on the back line to a certain extent!"

The Croatian players were also looking at Portugal's half, and they were indeed guessed by Van Styak.

In the past, Van Styak's ability to predict the trend of the game was very strong, and he was always able to predict the tactical choices of the opposing coach.

And this time was no surprise!

But these can't reverse anything!

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

As Besic said, using the way they are best at, no matter how the opponent changes, they can still control the situation of the game in their hands.

"Suker passed the ball. In this game, we rarely saw Suker dribbling and breaking through. He played more of a bait role. When Suker attracted attention, other positions in the frontcourt could get better space to play!"

"And it is also based on this problem that Rakitic, Mandzukic and Perisic also gained more tactical weight!"

Klausevich couldn't help but admire.

Suker's role is not only reflected in strong breakthroughs and scoring ability, but also has a distinct role in tactical swing.

Just like this game, Suker obviously just touched the ball and had no intention of forcing forward at all.

But Portugal still has to stick to Suker!

Don't be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of one!

In this case, Croatia's other offensive routes can play a role.

Of course, Portugal also got some counterattack opportunities after the tactical change.

But none of these opportunities were transformed into effective threats.

Moutinho is the point of the backcourt counterattack, and his task is to find Ronaldo.

However, on the Croatian side, Vukojevic is very clear about this.

Therefore, if Moutinho passes too deep, Croatia's full-back can control the first landing point.

If the pass is too close, Vukojevic can also quickly complete the header.

Bang!

"FXXK!!"

The ball was destroyed by Vukojevic's header again, and Ronaldo cursed angrily.

This is the nth time. If he can't get the ball, how can he launch a threatening attack.

Suk also gave Vukojevic a thumbs up from a distance.

Vukojevic nodded to Suk, then turned around and stretched out his hand to Ronaldo.

No matter how the national team plays, Ronaldo is likely to be his club teammate next season, so he did not provoke Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's expression was ugly, but he still accepted Vukojevic's goodwill.

He looked at his own half with his hands on his waist depressed.

Croatia is still bombarding, and this game is frustrating.

At the same time, the Spanish national team players who were watching the game in Kiev, Ukraine were also silent.

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

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

"There is really no chance at all!" Ramos grinned; "Playing like this, their mentality must have collapsed a long time ago. They can hold on until now, which is amazing."

"Portugal failed to force Croatia to use all its strength!"

"Everyone can see this!"

"Their pressing is so efficient, Portugal's pass can't even exceed 5 passes!"

"The positioning is also very good! Srna has been directing the positioning, and in the midfield, Modric is also directing the attack!"

"Even Suk didn't exert any strength!"

Casillas had a headache; "Portugal didn't play anything!"

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

Spain's current state is not particularly perfect.

However, they are fortunate that Croatia and Germany are divided into the same group, so that they can have more information.

At this time, the game is still going on in the field.

In the 65th minute, Croatia and Portugal both made substitutions.

Croatia:

Perisic and Strinic leave the field.

Dujmovic and Joel Luka come on as substitutes.

Portugal:

Postiga leaves the field.

Almeida, the No. 9 center forward, comes on the field.

"Here I come!" Dujmovic said excitedly; "Look at me shooting from a distance!"

Suker and others rolled their eyes.

Dujmovic is indeed a surprise player.

But a surprise player is a surprise player. Unless it is a critical moment, this guy's performance is not so good.

What's more, after Dujmovic came on the field, Croatia's formation changed to 4-4-2, and this guy took more defensive tasks.

The offense was still the responsibility of Suker, Mandzukic and Rakitic.

However, after Dujmovic came on the field, he immediately tried two long shots.

The first shot hit the goal frame and flew out.

The second shot forced the opponent's goalkeeper to make a save.

After the Portuguese goalkeeper saved the ball, he said angrily: "Don't let him kick!"

One or two times is fine, but he can't stand more long shots like this.

The game time entered the 80th minute unknowingly.

Suker and Mandzukic were both standing on the back line.

Seeing that Croatia was slow to pass the ball, Mandzukic turned his head and looked at Suker, who nodded and immediately retreated.

At this time, the ball was passed to Dujmovic's feet, and the guy stepped forward and dribbled the ball.

"Again?"

The Portuguese players were shocked.

They thought Dujmovic was going to shoot from a distance again, and immediately rushed forward.

At this moment, Dujmovic suddenly stepped forward, and actually got rid of it horizontally, and stuffed the ball to Suker with the arch of his foot.

"Fuck?"

Suker was shocked.

Tommy, a rough guy, can do this?

At this time, the ball rolled towards Suker, and Pepe immediately held Suker's waist to prevent Suker from turning around.

But Suker squatted slightly.

"I held him!" Pepe grabbed Suker's waist tightly, but he saw his central defender teammate Alves' face was horrified, and his eyes passed a parabola above his head.

The next second, Alves exclaimed; "Behind!"

Pepe was startled, and at this time, beside him and Suker, a voice suddenly rushed forward.

Rakitic quickly moved forward, he responded to Suker's overhead lob, facing the falling ball, spread his body, and with the momentum of running, he suddenly raised his right foot and volleyed.

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

In the 83rd minute, Croatia ushered in the second goal.

Suker's overhead lob assisted Rakitic to complete the shot!

In this game, Rakitic scored two goals!

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

Rakitic rushed to the corner excitedly, and his hands grabbed the corner of his clothes and were about to open them, but at this time, a pair of hands grabbed the corner of Rakitic's clothes.

"I fucking knew it!" Mandzukic pressed down the corner of Rakitic's clothes tightly; "You fucking want to get a yellow card!"

Rakitic also recovered, and he hugged Mandzukic excitedly; "I'm so excited!"

Mandzukic also smiled.

He can understand.

In this game, Rakitic scored two goals alone, which is definitely an MVP-level performance.

With Suker not exerting any effort, Rakitic actually took up the banner of Croatia's attack.

When Mandzukic thought of this, he felt a little jealous.

What's the use of being in hot form at the club? He still has to assist others in the national team.

Suker is fine!

Now Rakitic is in hot form, and he has to cooperate with Rakitic.

Oh~~

Mandzukic sighed.

When can he, a center forward, be treated as a 'big center forward'!

The second goal in the 83rd minute almost announced that the game was over.

The eyes of the Portuguese players became dim.

In this game, they didn't understand the offense or the defense!

Croatia made almost no mistakes throughout the game and won the game at a nearly suffocating pace.

It can be said that this game kicked Portugal's morale to the bottom.

If they can't adjust their form, the second round against Germany will become more difficult.

Suker retreated while looking at Portugal.

The wrong choice of tactics is one aspect!

Misjudging the opponent's strength is also one aspect!

But the biggest problem is that Portugal has not been able to fully enter the state of the European Cup.

They are not nervous enough and their attention is not focused enough.

In the original time and space, Portugal's performance in the European Cup was getting better and better, but now, unfortunately, they met Croatia in the first round.

Finally, the 90-minute game ended.

The first game of Group B of the 2012 European Cup.

Croatia 2:0 Portugal, a clean victory!