Ronaldo scoreless in Nations League, Croatia avoids demotion

Croatia avoided relegation in Group 3 of UEFA’s Nations League despite a 3-2 loss to defending champion Portugal on Tuesday.

Croatia needed to better result of Sweden, which lost 4-2 to group-winner France in or match. Portugal was alrey eliminated and h secured second place.

Croatia played with 10 men from early in second half after one of its midfielders was sent off.

Cristia Ronaldo was held scoreless for second consecutive match to stay seven goals shy of 109 scored by former Iran striker Ali Daei, only or male soccer player to surpass 100-goal milestone for a national team.

One of Ronaldo’s best chances to move closer to all-time international record was a first-time heer that missed wide.

Mateo Kovacic opened scoring for hosts in 29th minute and netted an equalizer with a shot from outside area in 65th after Portugal h rallied with goals by Rubén Dias in 52nd and João Félix in 60th. Dias netted winner in 90th.

Croatia midfielder Marko Rog was sent off with a second yellow card for a foul on Ronaldo just before Portugal's second goal.