Joao Felix’s happiness after scoring the first goal for Portugal

DBasia.news – Joao Felix finally cracked when Portugal defeated Croatia 4-1 in the Nations League, Saturday, September 5, 2020. In the match which took place at Estadio Dragao, Portugal, he scored his first goal in six matches with the Portuguese national team.

Portugal’s four winning goals were scored by Joao Cancelo (41 ‘), Diogo Jota (58’), Joao Felix (70 ‘), and Andre Silva (90 + 4’) which Bruno Petkovic replied in the 90 + 1 minute. Portugal dominated the game with 57 percent possession of the ball.

In total Portugal made 27 attempted kicks and 11 of them were right on target. Fernando Santos played the 4-3-3 tactic without Cristiano Ronaldo who was sidelined with an infected leg, reportedly from a bee sting.

As a substitute, Santos played Felix as a false 9 or a pseudo attacker in front who was accompanied by Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva. Meanwhile, the midfield trident was filled with Joao Moutinho, Danilo Pereira and Bruno Fernandes.

The victory achieved by Portugal was even more special for Felix and Jota as they scored their first goal for the national team. Felix (20 years old) scored with his hard kick against Dominik Livakovic.

“I have been waiting for that goal in many games. The ball has hit the post or the goalkeeper made a great save. This time, (the ball) came in and I was thrilled with the first goal (for Portugal),” said Felix as quoted by Marca.

Croatia played without their two senior midfielders, Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic’s mainstay winger. Even so, according to Felix, it was not easy to beat Croatia. No doubt the Atletico Madrid player was satisfied with the victory.

“We played a great match against the World Cup runners-up (2018) and winning 4-1 was a good result. It was not easy, but we created a lot of chances,” added Felix.

“There are three important points as it was great to start (the Nations League) with a win. There are various players who come straight from their vacation, but the team was great. We have a very united group and that helps,” he explained.

In the false nine role Felix was able to provoke the opponent’s defense to make room for his teammates. In addition, Silva and Jota was also able to be creative on the wing to penetrate when the opponents focused on Felix.