The Blues’ defender struck on 65 minutes to cancel our Joao Felix’s first half opener in what was a high quality clash in Split.
While Portugal were already guaranteed top spot in Group A1, Croatia kicked off knowing a point would be enough to seal second place and so a place in the last eight.
However, a Portugal side missing Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes and Ruben Dias but captained by former City star Joao Cancelo, dominated the early proceedings and it was Roberto Martinez’s side who made the initial breakthrough just past the half hour.
A fine long ball form Vitinha split the hosts’ backline and created time and space for Chelsea striker Félix who first controlled the ball before then despatching a fine low finish, the goal upheld after a VAR check for offside.
Croatia sought an immediate response and the hosts came agonisingly close to levelling affairs on 39 minutes when Gvardiol’s neat, cushioned knock-down provided Andrej Kramarić to opportunity to hammer in a half volley which cannoned back off the post.
Kovacic made way for Mario Palasic at the break with Croatia seeking to mount a second half response.
And that pressure bore fruit on 65 minutes when Gvardiol – who had earlier seen an effort ruled out after a VAR check just eight minutes earlier – struck to level affairs.
The City defender again showed his attacking prowess, meeting Kristijan Jakic’s inviting cross and firing home with his left foot from six yards out.
Both sides sought to create a winner with Croatian keeper Dominik Livaković performing heroics to deny Nuno Mendes while at the other end Portuguese keeper Jose Sa frustrated efforts by Luka Sučić, Andrej Kramarić, and Ante Budimir for the hosts.
In a dramatic finale the woodwork again came to Portugal’s rescue three minutes into added time after a Budimir effort struck the bar.
Ultimately however a point served as a positive result for both sides with Croatia sealing second spot in the Group A1 and with it a ticket into the quarter-finals along with the visitors.
