Croatia vs Portugal Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | November 18, 2024

Croatia vs Portugal Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Nations League 
• Date: Monday, November 18
• Kick-off Time: 7:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Gradski stadion u Poljudu, Split, Croatia.

It’s a game of titans in League A Group 1, as two giants Croatia, and Portugal national teams are set to lock horns in the UEFA Nations League next. This would just be a mandatory game that Portugal needs to play, as they have already clinched the top spot, but for hosts Croatia, it’s one last chance to ensure their top two finish.

Croatia national football team have surprisingly lost to Scotland in the last game, forcing them to stay with seven points, and still having a slight risk of avoiding a top two berth, which would still be a rare case, if they lose this game and Poland cruise past Scotland in style. Even a draw in the game would satisfy Croatia’s cause.

For the Portugal national football team, this is just a game which they have to play for rules. They have already qualified for the next round, in fact, their top spot in the group is now sure after the superb win against Poland. Portugal would still look happy to win this game, or even draw, as this will help them stay unbeaten.

Croatia National Football Team News

Croatia national football team are having a fit squad, free from injuries, however, they have one player injured, it’s their playmaker No. 17 Petar Sucic, who received a red in the last game, at minute 43 against the Scots. 

Portugal National Football Team News

Portugal national football team are also having a fit squad, free from injuries, and suspensions, however, we might see some changes in the line-up. Joao Felix might get a start ahead of Pedro Neto, to have two men upfront against the Croatian defense.

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Croatia vs Portugal Predicted Lineups

Croatia National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic; 

Defenders: Duje Caleta-Car, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa; 

Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric; 

Forwards: Mislav Orsic

Portugal National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa; 

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Antonio Silva, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga; 

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao; 

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix

Head-to-Head Record

Croatia and Portugal national football teams have met a total of nine times to date only. In those meetings, Croatia won only one game and Portugal won seven matches. One game ended in a draw. Records indicate that the Portugal international football team have been the dominants in this rivalry.

Key Players to Watch in Croatia vs Portugal

Luka Modric (Croatia)

Croatia’s LM10, Modric is captaining the national team for some time now. His impact might not be observed in the pitch, but it’s for sure felt. His apt passes, pre-assists, off-the-ball movement, and defensive skills make him the most versatile player of the side, even at this age. 

He primarily is a defensive midfielder in the team and is expected to act the same in this vital game. He needs to control the midfield and show Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Rafael Leao who the real boss of midfield is.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Even at 39, CR7 is showing no signs of slowing down, and that explains pretty much why Ronaldo is one of the best players ever to play the game. He has scored a goal in every game of this group, except the Scotland game, where only his side lost points. His beautiful brace against Poland, which includes a bicycle kick is the talk of the time.

He has scored a goal against Croatia in the last game, and would definitely look to extend his lead.

Croatia vs Portugal Prediction

Croatia is predicted to have a tough game here, at home. But, Croatia can win this one, as their urge to win it will be more. Also, Portugal might take things easy for this fixture, as they have nothing to lose or gain from this one. So, Portugal should ideally opt for a safe game without hassle.

Predicted Score: Croatia 2-1 Portugal

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