September 5, 2024, at 18:45, at the famous Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, is the much awaited collision between Portugal and Croatia. The League A UEFA Nations League competition opens with this game. Under the direction of Turkish referee H. U. Meler, the two teams will fight it out in front of a 64,642 audience keen to see the action in one of Europe’s top football events.
Both teams want to recover from unsatisfactory summer European Championship performance. Under head coach Roberto Martínez, Portugal seeks to recover its glory from the first 2018/19 UEFA Nations League triumph; Croatia, under veteran coach Zlatko Dalić, aims to build on their most recent UNL runner-up finish.
Key Insights and Betting Tips
When weighing the Portugal against Croatia prediction for today, a number of elements come into influence. While Croatia has shown resilience away from home, winning their last four away games in the Nations League (W2, L2), Portugal has had a mixed record at home. With both sides having seasoned players who could have a big influence, the forthcoming game looks to be a closely fought one. While Croatia depends on the midfield mastery of Luka Modrić, who is about to reach a historic mark, Cristiano Ronaldo keeps leading the line for Portugal.
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Portugal Recent Results
Portugal’s recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with significant performances in their last five matches.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 05.07.24 | EUR | Portugal vs France | 0-1 | L |
| 01.07.24 | EUR | Portugal vs Slovenia | 1-0 | W |
| 26.06.24 | EUR | Georgia vs Portugal | 2-0 | L |
| 22.06.24 | EUR | Turkey vs Portugal | 0-3 | W |
| 18.06.24 | EUR | Portugal vs Czech Republic | 2-1 | W |
Portugal’s recent matches show a team capable of both strong performances and surprising defeats. The loss against France was a narrow defeat in a closely fought contest, while victories against Slovenia and Turkey demonstrate their capability to dominate games. However, the unexpected loss to Georgia reveals inconsistencies that they will need to address ahead of the Croatia clash.
Croatia Recent Results
Croatia has also experienced a mixed set of results in their last five games, showing both resilience and areas needing improvement.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 24.06.24 | EUR | Croatia vs Italy | 1-1 | D |
| 19.06.24 | EUR | Croatia vs Albania | 2-2 | D |
| 15.06.24 | EUR | Spain vs Croatia | 3-0 | L |
| 08.06.24 | FI | Portugal vs Croatia | 1-2 | W |
| 03.06.24 | FI | Croatia vs North Macedonia | 3-0 | W |
Croatia’s results show a team with a fighting spirit but also vulnerable to lapses in concentration, particularly in defense. The draws against Italy and Albania highlight their struggle to maintain leads, while the loss to Spain reflects defensive frailties. However, their wins against Portugal and North Macedonia indicate their potential to challenge strong teams.
Portugal vs Croatia: Head-to-Head Results
The historical encounters between Portugal and Croatia have often been thrilling and closely contested.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 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 |
| 25.06.16 | EUR | Croatia vs Portugal | 0-1 |
The head-to-head record between Portugal and Croatia is relatively even, with both teams securing notable victories. Portugal’s dominant win in the Nations League in 2020 stands out, but Croatia’s recent friendly victory in 2024 suggests they have the capability to challenge Portugal on their home turf.
Portugal Probable Lineup
As Portugal prepares to face Croatia in this UEFA Nations League clash, head coach Roberto Martínez is likely to rely on a blend of experienced stars and promising young talents. Here is the predicted starting lineup for Portugal:
Diogo Costa (GK), Diogo Dalot (DF), Rúben Dias (DF), António Silva (DF), Nuno Mendes (DF), João Palhinha (MF), Vitinha (MF), Bernardo Silva (MF), Bruno Fernandes (MF), Rafael Leão (FW), Cristiano Ronaldo (FW).
Croatia Probable Lineup
Croatia, under the leadership of Zlatko Dalić, is expected to field a solid lineup combining experienced players and emerging talents to challenge Portugal. Here’s the anticipated starting eleven for Croatia:
Dominik Livakovic (GK), Marin Pongracic (DF), Josip Sutalo (DF), Joško Gvardiol (DF), Borna Sosa (DF), Luka Modric (MF), Luka Sučić (MF), Mateo Kovacic (MF), Mario Pašalić (MF), Andrej Kramaric (FW), Luka Ivanusec (FW).
INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
When one considers possible results for the game, it is imperative to know which players are absent for injuries, suspensions, or other causes. The performance, tactical approach, and general strategy of a team can be much affected by the absence of important players. The players from both teams listed below will not be attending the forthcoming Portugal-Croatian game.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Portugal | Pepe | Retired |
| Portugal | João Cancelo | Dropped |
| Portugal | Danilo Pereira | Dropped |
| Portugal | Francisco Conceição | Dropped |
| Croatia | Domagoj Vida | Injury |
| Croatia | Marcelo Brozovic | Retired |
| Croatia | Lovro Majer | Injury |
| Croatia | Josip Stanisic | Injury |
| Croatia | Martin Erlic | Injury |
| Croatia | Duje Caleta-Car | Doubt (Knock) |
These absences will force both Portugal and Croatia to adjust their tactics and possibly experiment with new formations or players, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this already exciting encounter.
Key Factors to Watch
As Portugal and Croatia prepare to face off, several key factors could influence the match’s outcome:
- Injuries: Both teams are missing key players due to injuries, with Croatia’s defense notably weakened;
- Team Form: Portugal’s recent home form in the UNL is inconsistent, while Croatia has been strong away from home;
- Star Players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić will be pivotal for their respective teams, given their experience and influence;
- Tactical Adjustments: Both coaches may opt for different tactical setups to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses;
- Defensive Stability: Croatia’s potential makeshift defense could be a vulnerability against Portugal’s attacking prowess;
- Young Talent: Portugal’s squad includes several young players who could provide a fresh dynamic to their play;
- Historical Rivalry: Previous encounters suggest a competitive edge between the two teams;
- Psychological Factors: Both teams are motivated by previous disappointments and are eager to start strong in this competition.
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Free Tips on Portugal vs Croatia
When betting on a match like Portugal vs Croatia, it’s crucial to consider various factors that could influence the game’s outcome. Studying statistics, recent team form, and other external conditions can provide valuable insights. Below are some essential tips to help you make more informed betting decisions for this UEFA Nations League encounter.
- Head-to-Head Statistics: Analyze the past encounters between Portugal and Croatia. Historically, Portugal has had the upper hand in competitive matches, which might suggest they have a psychological advantage going into this game. Reviewing the outcomes of their previous clashes can help predict potential scenarios for this match.
- Home vs. Away Performance: Consider how both teams perform in home and away settings. Portugal’s form at Estádio da Luz has been mixed in recent UNL campaigns, while Croatia has shown marked improvement in their away performances, winning their last four away matches in this tournament. This dynamic could play a critical role in determining the match’s flow and result.
- Impact of Injuries and Suspensions: Always check for the latest updates on player availability. Croatia will be without key players such as Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic, which might weaken their defense. On the other hand, Portugal is also adjusting to life without Pepe, but they have strong replacements who can step up. The absence of crucial players often shifts the balance of power in tight matches.
- Team Motivation and Stakes: The motivation levels of both teams can significantly impact the outcome. Portugal, playing at home, will be eager to start their campaign with a win to regain their past Nations League glory. Meanwhile, Croatia is driven by the desire to go one step further than their previous runner-up finish. Understanding what’s at stake can help gauge the intensity and focus each team will bring to the match.
- Tactical Approaches and Style of Play: Knowing how each team is likely to set up can offer a strategic edge. Portugal’s tactical versatility under Roberto Martínez and Croatia’s reliance on counter-attacks and experienced midfield play with Luka Modrić suggest that this match could be a tactical battle. The styles of play could determine the pace of the game and the number of goals scored.
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Portugal vs Croatia Match Prediction 2024
For the upcoming match, considering the Portugal vs Croatia odds, Portugal seems to have a slight edge due to their home advantage and a more balanced squad. However, Croatia’s recent away form in the Nations League and their resilience suggest that they will not be easily defeated. We predict a tightly contested match with both teams likely to score, but Portugal could edge out with a narrow win given their attacking options and experience.
Our Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Croatia
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Full-Time Result | Portugal Win | 1.54 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.94 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.85 |
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