Sluga on the bench as Croatia suffer last-gasp Nations League defeat to Portugal

Luton goalkeeper Simon Sluga was an unused substitute as Croatia were beaten 3-2 at home Portugal in their final Nations League group match of the season in Split last night.

The visitors fielded a strong side for the clash despite being unable to reach the finals and retain the title they won in June 2019, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes all starting.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalić once again went with Dominik Livakovic between the posts, as Croatia led on 29 minutes when Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic smashed home at the second attempt.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men early in the second half as Marko Rog was dismissed for his second yellow card, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias quickly levelling after Ronaldo's free kick had been spilled by Livakovic.

Joao Felix put Portugal ahead but Kovacic was on target again to draw the hosts level, before another error by Livakovic in the final minute saw Dias win the game from close range as Croatia suffered a third defeat in four games.

Sweden's 4-2 loss in France elsewhere in Group A3 means Croatia avoid relegation to the second tier.