Unfortunately, the Portuguese made the most of their opportunities. The first big chance came as early as the sixth minute when Bruno Fernandes played a clever through ball to Diogo Dalot, who managed to slot it between Livaković's legs for a 1-0 lead.

Earlier, Dominik Livaković had shown he was in great form by saving a shot from Bruno Fernandes a minute before, and then making a brilliant reflex save from a tight angle against Cristiano Ronaldo in the 22nd minute.

Croatia's first threat came in the 14th minute when Luka Modrić's long-range shot hit the side netting. Croatia came even closer to scoring in the 31st minute when a great intervention by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa denied a certain goal after an effort by Kramarić. In the 34th minute, however, even Livaković could do nothing. Cristiano Ronaldo met a cross from the left and found the net from close range as he did in his prime — 2-0.

In the 41st minute, Croatia reduced Portugal's lead. Kramarić played the ball to the center, Sosa shot at the far post, and a Portuguese defender inadvertently beat Diogo Costa with his heel — 2-1. Towards the end of the first half, Vitinha broke away on a counterattack and hit the crossbar.