Portugal vs Croatia Preview, Prediction and Team News | Int’l Friendlies
Preview
Portugal vs Croatia will take place as an International Friendly at the Centro Desportivo in Lisbon on June 8 as both the Euro 2024 participants gear up for the tournament.
The hosts will enter this contest on the back of a great run of form with very few bumps. The only one was when they lost to Slovenia, marking their only defeat in their last eight games across competitions. They have won each of the other seven games, scoring an impressive 30 goals in that span and conceding just eight goals, keeping four clean sheets in the process. They secured an exciting 4-2 win over Finland in their last game and will look to keep the positive run going.
The visitors, on the other hand, are only slightly worse off than their next opponents in terms of form. They have lost just two of their last eight games across competitions, securing wins in each of the other six games. In that duration, Croatia have scored 13 goals and conceded five as they look to find some consistency in both attack and defence. They secured a comfortable 3-0 win against North Macedonia in their last game and will look to put in another good performance.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.
Portugal vs Croatia Team News
Portugal National Football Team News
Manager Roberto Martinez named an interesting lineup last time around as he fielded several household names alongside some up-and-coming players so as to maintain the team’s balance. His selection was perfect as always as all the players performed to a high level to secure the win.
Cristiano Ronaldo misses out as he has just finished his season with Al Nassr, and will return closer to the start of the Euros. Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, and Joao Felix did not feature in the last one and will be expected to be included in the game tonight.
Croatia National Football Team News
Manager Zlatko Dalic, too, fielded a nearly full-strength lineup in his team’s win against North Macedonia. He also gave some of the fringe players some valuable game time as he decided the best approach to take for Euro 2024 with his team.
However, it is unlikely that Dalic will do the same against Portugal. He is likely to field a much stronger lineup and will hope his players can respond with a good performance and a win against Portugal.
Predicted Lineups
Portugal National Football Team
Martinez will stick with the core squad and will probably make a couple of changes to ensure everybody gets valuable minutes ahead of a major tournament.
Predicted XI: Diogo Costa (GK); Joao Cancelo, Antonio Silva, Ruben Dias (C), Nuno Mendes; Joao Palhinha; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha; Rafael Leao, Diogo Jota.
ALSO READ: UEFA Euro Winners List from 1960
Croatia National Football Team
Dalic, too, will name a strong lineup for this contest against Die Mannschaft.
Predicted XI: Dominik Livakovic (GK); Josip Juranovic, Domagoj Vida, Martin Erlic, Borna Sosa; Martin Baturina, Mateo Kovacic (C); Lovro Majer, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic; Bruno Petkovic.
Head-to-Head Record
Portugal and Croatia have locked horns several times in the last few years, meeting in major tournaments and friendly games alike. However, Portugal comfortably led the recent head-to-head with four wins in the last five meetings, with the other game ending in a draw between the two teams.
Last 5 Games
- Croatia 2-3 Portugal
- Portugal 4-1 Croatia
- Portugal 1-1 Croatia
- Croatia 0-1 Portugal
- Croatia 0-1 Portugal
Portugal vs Croatia Prediction
If recent history between these two nations is anything to go by, Portugal emerges as the overwhelming favourites to win this game as well. Additionally, they have one of the most well-rounded and complete rosters in international football and can give any nation a run for their money when they click.
The Seleccao have also been in remarkable goalscoring form and looks like that will continue.
Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia.
Betting Tips & Odds
Both teams have got themselves on the scoresheet in each of the last three meetings between these two nations. The same feat has occurred in two of Portugal’s last three matches, as well as in one of Croatia’s last three games. This indicates towards a fairly strong possibility that these two teams will both get on the scoresheet.
Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.84
- Match Total – Over 2.5 Goals: 1.94
- Full Time Result – Portugal: 1.73
Match Odds
- Portugal Win: 1.73
- Draw: 3.65
- Croatia Win: 5.45
When and where to watch Portugal vs Croatia?
Q. When to watch Portugal vs Croatia live?
A. The match will kick-off at 5:45 PM (GMT) on Saturday, June 8.
Q. Where to watch Portugal vs Croatia in India?
A. The match will be live streamed on SonyLIV.
Q. Where to watch Portugal vs Croatia in the UK?
A. The match will be available on Premier Sport.
Q. Where to watch Portugal vs Croatia in the USA?
A. The match will be available on Fox Sports 2.
Q. Where to watch Portugal vs Croatia in Portugal?
The Portugal vs Croatia game will be broadcast on DAZN.
Q. Where to watch Portugal vs Croatia in Croatia?
The Portugal vs Croatia game will be broadcast on DAZN.
ALSO READ: Heartbreak for Giorgio Scalvini and Italy as Atalanta defender out with ACL injury