During a period of significant changes from top to bottom at FC Porto, and amid recent results that have made the Dragons the latest “crisis club” in Portugal, the positive impact made by one player has gone somewhat under the radar.

Striker Samu Aghehowa may have grabbed the headlines with his plentiful goals since his surprise transfer from Atletico Madrid, but the manner in which Francisco Moura has adapted to the step up since his move from Famalicão is no less impressive.

Zach Lowry profiles the Braga native who is knocking on the door of a call-up to the Seleção. 

Portugal’s path has been mapped out if they are to win the Nations League for a second time after today’s draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals that took place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

The Seleção will play Denmark in a two-legged quarter-final in March.

Should Roberto Martínez’s men see off the Scandinavians, they will face the winners of the Germany v Italy quarter-final in the semis. 

With top spot guaranteed, it was an unfamiliar looking Portugal that took to the pitch against Croatia in Split last night with João Cancelo playing a free-roaming role in midfield, no recognised No.9 and Tomás Araújo making his debut at centre-back.

And, weirdly enough, it worked. At least in an excellent first-half display by the Seleção. Vitinha, João Neves and Otávio in the middle of the pitch and Félix and Leão up top had the hosts chasing shadows for much of the first 45 minutes thanks to their intelligence, creativity and industry.

Croatia needed a result to guarantee qualification for the quarter-finals of the Nations League and came out fighting in the second half, earning a deserved draw in another fine advert for the much-maligned competition. Tom Kundert has the Seleção player ratings. 

Portugal remained undefeated in the UEFA Nations League group stage after earning a 1-1 draw in Croatia.

The Seleção started strongly and took the lead in the 33rd minute, João Félix latching onto Vitinha’s perfect pass and slotting the ball past Dominik Livaković.

Croatia fought back after the break and deservedly equalised in the 65th minute when Joško Gvardiol squeezed Kristijan Jakić’s cross past José Sá.

Both teams went close to taking all three points in Split, Nuno Mendes denied by Livaković and Ante Budimir hitting the post in added time.

Roberto Martínez’s side had already secured top spot in Group 1 which saw the manager hand senior debuts to Tomás Araújo, Tiago Djaló and Fábio Silva.

The game was the last for Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes who has been in charge since 2011.

Portugal will eagerly await the quarter-final draw which will be held on 22 November. The potential opponents are Italy, Netherlands and Denmark with the matches to be played on 20 and 23 March 2025.

PortuGOAL’s Matthew Marshall reports from Stadion Poljud.