Match Between Portugal and Croatia Creates Domestic Stakes

Last week’s game between Portugal and Croatia sparked quite the conversation. Not only was the progression to the last 16 of the World Cup on the line, but for one professional soccer couple, their sleeping arrangements were in question.

The outcome dictated who would be sleeping on the sofa. Croatian player Ana Maria Markovic humorously warned, “Someone is sleeping on the couch tonight.”

She shared a photo with her partner, Portuguese soccer player Tomas Ribeiro, who cheekily responded to being tagged with, “Who do you think will be?”

The couple wore each other’s team jerseys while watching the match, and honestly, Ribeiro was in a tricky spot from the start. If his team lost, they wouldn’t advance. Yet, if they won, he’d face the prospect of being banished to the couch instead of celebrating in bed.

Adding to the pressure, Markovic had been labeled “the most beautiful soccer player in the world.” So, you can imagine her discomfort at being surrounded by fans cheering for Portugal during the game.

She even noted from the bar where they were watching, “I’m literally the only Croatian here,” which surely didn’t help the mood.

The loss, 2-1 to Portugal, was particularly tough for the 26-year-old. She plays for Brooklyn FC in the USL Super League, and after the game, she seemed ready to keep her bed to herself, openly acknowledging how hard the defeat was for her.

Looking ahead, Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa’s team will face Spain soon. One wonders if Ana Maria Markovic will stick with her support for her team—or perhaps she’ll choose to cheer for her boyfriend, letting him enjoy couch duty until his team also bows out.