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CROATIA - PORTUGAL

Cristiano didn't celebrate win over Croatia in respect to Modric

The Portuguese star chose not to overly celebrate his side's win that took them to the quarter final stage because he was very aware how distraught his Madrid teammate was.

Cristiano Ronaldo, consolded Luka Modric after Portugal beat Croatia in Euro 2016.
Rolex dela PenaEFE

Cristiano Ronaldo played his part in Portugal's victory over Croatia in the last 16 of the European Championships in France by creating the goal that won it late on. It was his shot - his only on target in the 120 minutes - that was saved by Subasic and then bounced up kindly for Quaresma to finish off.

The moment Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma broke Croatian hearts.
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The moment Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma broke Croatian hearts.BENOIT TESSIERREUTERS

Emotional intelligence

At the final whistle, all the Portuguese players and coaching staff leapt around and partied in the realisation that they had made it to the quarter finals after looking at one point like they would be catching a plane home following a very average group stage. But the side's captain chose not to celebrate wildly and told Radio Sarajevo, the main reason behind this.

"Of course I am happy that we beat Croatia. However, I couldn't celebrate on the field because my brother Luka Modric was crying. I had to console him."

The Croatia number 10 was destraught after his team's elimination and burst into tears, but his Madrid teammate and friend, who had initially celebrated the shock goal, chose to tone things down out of respect.

Cristiano Ronaldo was very mindful of Luka Modric after the final whistle.
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Cristiano Ronaldo was very mindful of Luka Modric after the final whistle.ROLEX DELA PENAEFE