Monday, 18 November 2024, at 19:45 GMT+0, the much awaited UEFA Nations League match between Portugal and Croatia is scheduled. With 33,987 seats, the venerable Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia will host this important game. Italy’s Davide Massa will referee the game. As a point would guarantee their place in the quarter-finals, Croatia arrives for this last group-stage game with everything to play for. Portugal, who already ensures their spot in the next level, wants to finish their campaign without incident. Fans are in for an interesting meeting with great stakes and fantastic football assured.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
The Croatia vs Portugal prediction today centers around a decisive encounter in Group A1 of the Nations League. Croatia is coming off a narrow loss to Scotland and needs at least a draw to advance. Portugal, having already secured top spot, may field a slightly rotated squad but remains a formidable opponent. Both teams have seen high-scoring matches in recent outings, promising a competitive game. Croatia will rely on their solid home form, while Portugal’s away record adds another layer of intrigue. Expect a tight, tactical battle where both teams are likely to find the back of the net.
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Croatia Results
Croatia’s recent form has been mixed, with both triumphs and setbacks in the Nations League. Below is a breakdown of their last five matches:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 15.11.24 | UNL | Scotland vs Croatia | 1-0 | L |
| 15.10.24 | UNL | Poland vs Croatia | 3-3 | D |
| 12.10.24 | UNL | Croatia vs Scotland | 2-1 | W |
| 08.09.24 | UNL | Croatia vs Poland | 1-0 | W |
| 05.09.24 | UNL | Portugal vs Croatia | 2-1 | L |
Croatia has displayed resilience at home, securing two wins in their last three matches in Split. However, their inconsistency on the road, including the loss to Scotland, highlights the team’s need for greater stability. With two victories and one draw in their last five games, they remain a tough side to beat at home. The 3-3 draw with Poland showcased their attacking prowess but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Portugal Results
Portugal enters this match in stellar form, underlining their dominance in Group A1. Here is a summary of their last five fixtures:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 15.11.24 | UNL | Portugal vs Poland | 5-1 | W |
| 15.10.24 | UNL | Scotland vs Portugal | 0-0 | D |
| 12.10.24 | UNL | Poland vs Portugal | 1-3 | W |
| 08.09.24 | UNL | Portugal vs Scotland | 2-1 | W |
| 05.09.24 | UNL | Portugal vs Croatia | 2-1 | W |
Portugal has been exceptional, scoring 12 goals in their last five matches while conceding just three. Their commanding 5-1 victory over Poland highlights their offensive firepower, even as they rotate their squad. With only one draw in their last five games, the Portuguese team is on a roll and seems determined to maintain their unbeaten streak.
Croatia vs Portugal Head-to-Head
Recent encounters between Croatia and Portugal have been competitive and high-scoring. Here is a look at their last five meetings:
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 05.09.24 | UNL | Portugal vs Croatia | 2-1 |
| 08.06.24 | FI | Portugal vs Croatia | 1-2 |
| 17.11.20 | UNL | Croatia vs Portugal | 2-3 |
| 05.09.20 | UNL | Portugal vs Croatia | 4-1 |
| 06.09.18 | FI | Portugal vs Croatia | 1-1 |
Portugal has dominated these fixtures, winning three of the last five meetings. Croatia’s sole victory came in a friendly match in June 2024. While both sides tend to score, Portugal has consistently found ways to edge out their opponents.
Predicted Lineups for Croatia vs Portugal
Analyzing team news and potential changes, here are the projected starting lineups for Croatia and Portugal in their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash. Both teams are expected to make adjustments due to suspensions, injuries, and squad rotations.
Croatia (3-5-2)
First XI Average Age: 29.7 yrs
Players:
Dominik Livaković (GK), Josip Šutalo (DF), Duje Ćaleta-Car (DF), Joško Gvardiol (DF), Borna Sosa (MF), Luka Modrić (MF), Mateo Kovačić (MF), Mario Pašalić (MF), Ivan Perišić (MF), Andrej Kramarić (FW), Ante Budimir (FW)
Portugal (4-2-3-1)
First XI Average Age: 24.8 yrs
Players:
Rui Silva (GK), João Cancelo (DF), Tiago Djaló (DF), Tomás Araújo (DF), Nuno Tavares (DF), João Neves (MF), Vitinha (MF), João Félix (MF), Francisco Conceição (MF), Francisco Trincão (MF), Fábio Silva (FW)
Unavailable Players for Croatia vs Portugal
Both teams face notable absences due to injuries, suspensions, and managerial decisions. Below is a breakdown of the unavailable players and their reasons for missing the match:
| Player | Team | Reason |
| Bruno Fernandes | Portugal | Suspension |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Released to club |
| Bernardo Silva | Portugal | Released to club |
| Neto | Portugal | Released to club |
| Petar Sučić | Croatia | Suspension |
| Kristijan Jakić | Croatia | Injury |
Notes:
- Portugal: With key players like Fernandes, Ronaldo, and Bernardo Silva released early, young talents such as Fabio Silva and Geovany Quenda are expected to step in. Rui Silva is likely to start in goal.
- Croatia: Petar Sučić’s suspension paves the way for Mario Pašalić or Nikola Vlašić in midfield. Ante Budimir returns from suspension and could start alongside Kramarić in attack.
- Defensive changes might also occur for Croatia due to Kristijan Jakić’s injury, potentially introducing Marin Pongračić to the lineup.
Both teams are adapting to circumstances, making the match even more unpredictable.
Key Factors to Watch
As this pivotal fixture approaches, here are the critical factors that could influence the outcome:
- Croatia needs a draw to qualify for the quarter-finals, heightening their defensive focus;
- Portugal’s top players, including Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, will miss this match;
- Croatia’s Andrej Kramarić has an impressive record of scoring in decisive moments;
- Portugal’s Rafael Leão is in excellent form, contributing crucial goals in recent matches;
- Croatia has lost just two home games in four years, showcasing their resilience in Split;
- Portugal remains unbeaten in this Nations League campaign, reflecting their consistency;
- Both teams have a history of high-scoring encounters, with BTTS in most of their matches;
- Croatia’s loss to Scotland may affect their confidence, but their strong home form remains a key advantage.
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Free Tips on Croatia vs Portugal
For those looking to make informed decisions about the upcoming Croatia vs Portugal match, analyzing key aspects of the teams’ performance and external factors is crucial. Below are practical tips to help you better predict the outcome of this high-stakes encounter. These insights focus on data-driven elements and unique match conditions to guide your choices.
Tips for Betting on Croatia vs Portugal:
- Portugal has already secured top spot in the group and played a demanding game against Poland just days before this fixture. Croatia, however, faced a tough loss against Scotland, and the physical toll could influence their performance. Pay attention to how the teams manage fatigue after their recent games.
- With Davide Massa officiating, note his tendency to give more yellow cards or penalties. Matches refereed by Massa often see stricter discipline, which might influence player behavior and the flow of the game.
- Croatia has a strong record at home, with only two losses in their last 16 matches at the Poljud Stadium. Conversely, Portugal has been consistent on the road, losing only one of their last ten away games. This clash of home dominance versus away resilience could be decisive.
- Portugal has released key players like Ronaldo and Fernandes ahead of this game, potentially reducing their attacking threat. Croatia, on the other hand, needs their strongest lineup to secure qualification, which could give them an edge.
- The match will be played on natural grass at Stadion Poljud, and weather conditions on match day could influence play. Rain or wet conditions may slow the game, favoring Croatia’s more tactical, slower buildup play over Portugal’s typically fast-paced style.
By considering these factors, you can gain a deeper understanding of how external and situational elements might shape the outcome of this crucial UEFA Nations League encounter.
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Croatia vs Portugal Prediction 2024
The Croatia vs Portugal prediction today leans toward a closely fought match. Croatia’s home advantage and the absence of key Portuguese players tilt the balance slightly in their favor. However, Portugal’s depth and tactical discipline make them formidable opponents. Given the stakes and the recent form of both teams, a 1-1 draw seems likely. Croatia’s need for just a point will dictate their cautious approach, while Portugal’s attacking prowess ensures they won’t go down without a fight. The Croatia vs Portugal odds suggest a balanced game, with goals expected from both sides.
Our Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Portugal
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Draw | 3.25 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.68 |
| Correct Score | 1-1 | 6.5 |
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