Euro 2016: Croatia vs Portugal - 5 players to watch out for
UEFA Euro 2016 has reached its most exciting phase yet. With the conclusion of the group stages, the tone has been set for the knockout rounds. Curiously enough some mouth-watering fixtures have come a bit too early. Croatia vs Portugal ranks among with Italy vs Spain in this list. We are going to look up at 5 players who can make the difference for their respective teams
1) Ivan Rakitic
The 28-year-old Barcelona midfield dynamo has been the engine that drives the Croatian team in every match. Influential from kickoff till the final whistle. His key passes and tireless running undermined the Spanish midfield in the last game
Rakitic has raised his game to a new level thanks to being at Barcelona.and being able to watch the El Ilusionista Andres Iniesta up close and personal. The clash between the Master and his Apprentice was a feast for the eyes. The tussle was eventually decided in the favour of the apprentice and a change of guard at club level is on the way, soon.
The Portuguese midfield would have their hands full trying to contain Rakitic from imposing himself on the game. That being said, it will take a quite a bit of teamwork and clever tactics from Portuguese coach Fernando Santos if Portugal are to win tonight.
Sadly neither has yet come to the fore in the group games. We can all expect another Ivan Rakitic show tonight.